obit

American  

[oh-bit, oh-bit, ob-it, ob-it] / oʊˈbɪt, ˈoʊ bɪt, ˈɒb ɪt, ˈɒb ɪt /

noun

1. Informal. an obituary.

2. the date of a person's death.

3. Obsolete. a Requiem Mass.

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obit British  

/ ˈɒbɪt, ˈəʊbɪt /

noun

1. short for obituary

2. a memorial service

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Etymology

Origin of obit

1325–75; Middle English obite < Latin obitus death, equivalent to obi- (stem of obīre to meet, meet one's death, die; ob- ob- + īre to go) + -tus suffix of v. action

Explanation

An obit is a news story about someone who's recently died, usually including details about the person's life and the date of their death. You can also call an obit a "death notice." Obit is a commonly used informal name for an obituary. Traditionally, obits were published in newspapers either daily or weekly, while today they're just as likely to be published online, often posted by a funeral home or church that's hosting memorial services. Obit comes from the Latin obitus, "death," the past participle of obire, "to go toward" or "to die."

Example Sentences

His obit, after all, refers to a lack of resolution around both his death and his legacy.

From Salon • Aug. 30, 2024

“In lieu of flowers, please cut your food into bite-sized pieces,” the obit ended, “and chew it thoroughly.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2023

In his memoir, he offered a succinct, if incomplete prediction: “I suppose the headline of my obit will read ‘Publisher of ”The Da Vinci Code” dies’.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2023

Another obit is devoted to Eileen Fox, a former bohemian who was a well-known personage — plump, untidy and always carrying plastic bags full of her things — on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue.

From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2022

“We’ve got to get this obit to the newspaper in an hour so Mr. Greene can print it for tomorrow morning’s edition.”

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos

Related Words

• burial
• cremation