funerary

American  

[fyoo-nuh-rer-ee] / ˈfyu nəˌrɛr i /

adjective

1. of or relating to a funeral or burial.

   a funerary urn.

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funerary British  

/ ˈfjuːnərərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or for a funeral

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Etymology

Origin of funerary

First recorded in 1685–95, funerary is from the Late Latin word fūnerārius of, relating to a funeral. See funeral, -ary

Explanation

Use the word funerary for things that have to do with funerals or other burial ceremonies. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs had complex funerary rituals, including mummification, to ensure they would be immortal. Funerary shares a root with funeral, the Latin funus, which means "burial rites," and also "death or corpse." When people talk about funerary practices, they mean the different ways cultures, religions, or even individual families mark the death of loved ones and relatives. Funerary traditions can involve burial, cremation, wearing black, singing hymns, wailing, displaying photos of the deceased person, saying prayers, or dancing.

Example Sentences

"We are aware of the growing interest in alternative funerary methods and we will respond to the Law Commission's report in due course," said an official.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The Anglican Church in Wales said it had been a member of the Law Commission consultation reviewing human composting, but an official said it had "not taken a position on proposed new funerary practices".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

These 4,600-year-old funerary boats, made of cedar and acacia, were intended to transport the king into the afterlife.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

An infant who did not receive many funerary flowers is thus portrayed beneath a dramatic assembly of angels and other heavenly guardians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

In the sandy wasteland around him were the graves of the city’s poor, each with an earthen jug or plate beside it holding the sun-dried remnants of a funerary offering.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw