obit

[ oh-bit oh-bit, ob-it especially British ob-it ]

noun

1. Informal. an obituary.
2. the date of a person's death.
3. Obsolete. a Requiem Mass.

obit

/ ˈɒbɪt; ˈəʊbɪt /

noun

1. short for obituary
2. a memorial service

Word History and Origins

Origin of obit¹

1325–75; Middle English obite < Latin obitus death, equivalent to obi- (stem of obīre to meet, meet one's death, die; ob- ob- + īre to go) + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

His obit, after all, refers to a lack of resolution around both his death and his legacy.

From Salon

It reminded her of another time, decades ago, when the Bay Area Reporter declared that there were “no obits,” to run for victims of HIV for the first time in 17 years.

From Seattle Times

Binkley was one of a gaggle of admirers who wrote to [e-mail], the address given in the obit.

From Los Angeles Times

In his memoir, he offered a succinct, if incomplete prediction: “I suppose the headline of my obit will read ‘Publisher of ”The Da Vinci Code” dies’.”

From Seattle Times

Stop writing the obits for the Conference of Champions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burial
• cremation