cremation

[ kri-mey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of reducing a dead body to ashes by fire, especially as a funeral rite:

   The others in the family want to have a private cremation, followed by a memorial service where we scatter the ashes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cremation¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin cremātiōn-, stem of cremātiō; cremate ( def ), -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

Pottery shards, cremation sites and rock art can be found throughout the region.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2021, Williams voted yes on a measure that would require a funeral or cremation of abortion remains.

From Salon

In Texas, the county subject to the NBC investigation changed its policy to provide burial or cremation for unclaimed bodies.

From Salon

The Law Commission - an independent body which reviews legislation in England and Wales - says current burial and cremation laws are out of date and "unsuitable for the modern world".

From BBC

But four days after the cremation, Ms Knight got out of the pool in Turkey to several missed calls from her cat sitter, who had been looking after the family's other cat.

From BBC

Related Words

• incineration