sepulcher

[ sep-uhl-ker ]

noun

1. a tomb, grave, or burial place.

   Synonyms: crypt, mausoleum, vault

2. Also called Easter sepulcher. Ecclesiastical.
   1. a cavity in a mensa for containing relics of martyrs.
   2. a structure or a recess in some old churches in which the Eucharist was deposited with due ceremonies on Good Friday and taken out at Easter in commemoration of Christ's entombment and Resurrection.

verb (used with object)

1. to place in a sepulcher; bury.

Other Words From

• un·sepul·cher verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sepulcher¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English sepulcre, from Old French, from Latin sepulcrum, equivalent to sepul- (variant stem of sepelīre “to bury”) + -crum noun suffix of place

Example Sentences

One of the most chaotic gatherings in the Christian calendar is the ancient ceremony of the “Holy Fire,” with worshipers thronging the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Saturday.

From Seattle Times

I park on a cul de sac within Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, then wander around for at least 10 minutes, annoyed with myself for always forgetting the exact location where Mami is buried.

From Los Angeles Times

Many from that diaspora are buried in Holy Sepulcher, including both of my maternal grandparents, family friends and cousins — and, one day, myself.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans mark Marilyn Monroe’s crypt with lipsticky kisses, and are kept an enforced distance from Michael Jackson’s marble sepulcher in Glendale, at Forest Lawn.

From Los Angeles Times

Adams’ entourage flooded the narrow streets of Jerusalem’s Old City as he headed first to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected, before visiting the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray.

From Washington Times