funeral

1 of 2

adjective

fu·​ner·​al ˈfyü-nə-rəl How to pronounce funeral (audio)
ˈfyün-rəl
Synonyms of funeralnext
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a funeral
funeral rites
2
: funereal sense 2

funeral

2 of 2

noun

1
: the observances held for a dead person usually before burial or cremation
2
chiefly dialectal : a funeral sermon
3
: a funeral procession
4
: an end of something's existence
5
: a situation for which one will have to suffer the consequences
If you flunk, it's your funeral.

Synonyms of funeral

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Adjective

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Examples of funeral in a Sentence

Adjective a slow and heavy funeral song Noun Only family attended the funeral. His funeral will be held on Friday. His cousin made the funeral arrangements.
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.
Adjective
Rather than a celebration, the film plays more like a funeral procession, or perhaps a bedside vigil for a man who has, indeed, seemingly sacrificed his life in pursuit of his art. — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 In due time, restorative art was more broadly incorporated into funeral practice. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Noun
The funeral was led by Archbishop Abune Klementos, the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s North Shewa Diocese. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 After an extensive, public push, Rubio made it to Hannah’s hospital bedside, where other family was already gathered, including Niedermeier, who had cut his family funeral trip short. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for funeral

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin funeralis, from Latin funer-, funus funeral (noun)

Noun

Middle English funerelles (plural), from Middle French funerailles (plural), from Medieval Latin funeralia (plural), from Late Latin, neuter plural of funeralis, adjective

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of funeral was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing funeral

Browse Nearby Words

funebrious
funeral
funeral car
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Cite this Entry

“Funeral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/funeral. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

funeral

noun
fu·​ner·​al
ˈfyün-(ə-)rəl
: the ceremonies held for a dead person (as before burial)
funeral adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on funeral

Nglish: Translation of funeral for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about funeral

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