sepulchral

[suh-puhl-kruhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or serving as a tomb.

2. of or relating to burial.

3. proper to or suggestive of a tomb; funereal or dismal.

4. hollow and deep.

   sepulchral tones.

sepulchral

/ sɪˈpʌlkrəl /

adjective

1. suggestive of a tomb; gloomy

2. of or relating to a sepulchre

Other Word Forms

• sepulchrally adverb
• transsepulchral adjective
• unsepulchral adjective
• unsepulchrally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sepulchral¹

From the Latin word sepulcrālis, dating back to 1605–15. See sepulcher, -al ¹

Example Sentences

It opens without the sepulchral bells and pounding drums that introduced the original.

From BBC

The creepy opening scene and sepulchral vibe here, though, suggest that whatever happens next will definitely be very unhappy.

From New York Times

There isn’t much to say about Nardelli’s sepulchral comments, other than that he has a hell of a nerve.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a perennially seductive style whose sepulchral glamour appeals as an alternative to mainstream ideals of blondness and tanned health — especially in SoCal.

From Los Angeles Times

The band’s music, which at times bordered on the sepulchral, required lyrics that soared along with it.

From New York Times