funerary

American  

[fyoo-nuh-rer-ee] / ˈfju nəˌrɛr i /

adjective

1. of or relating to a funeral or burial.

   a funerary urn.

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funerary British  

/ ˈfjuːnərərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or for a funeral

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Etymology

Origin of funerary

First recorded in 1685–95, funerary is from the Late Latin word fūnerārius of, relating to a funeral. See funeral, -ary

Explanation

Use the word funerary for things that have to do with funerals or other burial ceremonies. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs had complex funerary rituals, including mummification, to ensure they would be immortal. Funerary shares a root with funeral, the Latin funus, which means "burial rites," and also "death or corpse." When people talk about funerary practices, they mean the different ways cultures, religions, or even individual families mark the death of loved ones and relatives. Funerary traditions can involve burial, cremation, wearing black, singing hymns, wailing, displaying photos of the deceased person, saying prayers, or dancing.

Example Sentences

Both share an interest in funerary art, which provides insights into beliefs about beauty, the afterlife, and everyday life.

From Science Daily • Jun. 25, 2026

The findings also highlight the wide variety of funerary practices used during the Urnfield period.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

The Anglican Church in Wales said it had been a member of the Law Commission consultation reviewing human composting, but an official said it had "not taken a position on proposed new funerary practices".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

These 4,600-year-old funerary boats, made of cedar and acacia, were intended to transport the king into the afterlife.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

Already they had discovered nine burials, one body placed in a big funerary urn, all apparently interred at the same time.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann