sepulchral

[ suh-puhl-kruhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or serving as a tomb.
2. of or relating to burial.
3. proper to or suggestive of a tomb; funereal or dismal.
4. hollow and deep:

   sepulchral tones.

sepulchral

/ sɪˈpʌlkrəl /

adjective

1. suggestive of a tomb; gloomy
2. of or relating to a sepulchre

Derived Forms

• seˈpulchrally, adverb

Other Words From

• se·pulchral·ly adverb
• transse·pulchral adjective
• unse·pulchral adjective
• unse·pulchral·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sepulchral¹

From the Latin word sepulcrālis, dating back to 1605–15. See sepulcher, -al ¹

Example Sentences

The creepy opening scene and sepulchral vibe here, though, suggest that whatever happens next will definitely be very unhappy.

From New York Times

There isn’t much to say about Nardelli’s sepulchral comments, other than that he has a hell of a nerve.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a perennially seductive style whose sepulchral glamour appeals as an alternative to mainstream ideals of blondness and tanned health — especially in SoCal.

From Los Angeles Times

The band’s music, which at times bordered on the sepulchral, required lyrics that soared along with it.

From New York Times

Illuminated only by ambient light from windows and a skylight, “Half-Life” appears both glamorous and sepulchral.

From Washington Post