undertaker

American  

[uhn-der-tey-ker, uhn-der-tey-ker] / ˈʌn dərˌteɪ kər, ˌʌn dərˈteɪ kər /

noun

1. funeral director.

2. a person who undertakes something.

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undertaker British  

/ ˈʌndəˌteɪkə /

noun

1. a person whose profession is the preparation of the dead for burial or cremation and the management of funerals; funeral director

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Etymology

Origin of undertaker

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at undertake, -er ¹

Explanation

An undertaker is someone who prepares a body for burial or cremation. When a loved one dies, you'll have to visit an undertaker. An undertaker doesn't literally "take you under" after you die, but he or she does prepare your body for burial or cremation and assists a family with all aspects of funeral arrangements. If someone in your family dies, an undertaker can help you decide between burial and cremation. An undertaker can help plan a wake and the details of the funeral service. Undertakers help you select a coffin or urn. Of course, you will be making those choices for someone else — not for yourself.

Example Sentences

Recalls a peeved Mr. Blankfein: “It was like the undertaker calling at your sickbed.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

A local undertaker said the embalmed remains of the Iranian sailors were being sent back in sealed boxes.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

A pilgrimage to the oldest concrete road in America detours to meeting a descendant of the undertaker who embalmed Chef Boyardee.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

Previously an undertaker from Essex, Mr Titford began his political career as a Conservative councillor in Clacton before joining the Referendum Party, which later merged with UKIP.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2024

Dad tells Grandma it sThursday and he has to go to the Labour Exchange for the dole and then down to the undertaker to bring the mourning carriage and the coffin.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt