crematory

noun

cre·​ma·​to·​ry ˈkrē-mə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce crematory (audio)
ˈkre-
plural crematories
: a furnace for cremating
also : a place where the bodies of the dead are cremated : crematorium
… to help families with the most complicated logistics: filing the death certificate, getting the body released from a hospital, transporting it to the crematory or cemetery. —April Dembosky
crematory adjective

Examples of crematory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2025, a crematory in south suburban Chicago Heights owned by Clark Morgan was shut down by state officials after the remains of more than 100 bodies were found improperly stored. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The crematory agreed to shut down its operations amid a probe by the Illinois State Comptroller's office, which regulates the cremation industry. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 When looking to dispose of my retired flag, I was advised to call a local funeral home that has a crematory. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 Liu, Sit’s girlfriend, helped in getting the dogs to the crematories, according to prosecutors. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crematory

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crematory was in 1876

Rhymes for crematory

See All Rhymes for crematory

Browse Nearby Words

crematorium
crematory
crème
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crematory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crematory. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crematory

1 of 2 noun
cre·​ma·​to·​ry
ˈkrē-mə-ˌtōr-ē, 
ˈkrem-ə-, 
-ˌtȯr-
plural crematories
: a furnace for cremating or a building containing such a furnace

crematory

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or used in cremation

Medical Definition

crematory

noun
cre·​ma·​to·​ry ˈkrē-mə-ˌtōr-ē, ˈkrem-ə-, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce crematory (audio)
plural crematories
: a furnace for cremating
also : an establishment containing such a furnace
crematory adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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