# burial

/ˈbɛɹiəɫ/ (US) · /bˈɛɹɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/burial
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the act of putting a dead body into the ground. It can also mean the ceremony that happens when someone is buried.

For teachers: the act or ceremony of interring a dead body in the ground or a tomb. Often used to refer to the entire funeral process or the specific physical placement of remains.

## Examples

- The burial takes place tomorrow morning.
- The family requested a private burial at the local cemetery following the church service.
- Archaeologists discovered an ancient burial site containing artifacts that suggest the civilization held complex beliefs about the afterlife and social hierarchy.

## Usage notes

- Countable when referring to a specific event or site; uncountable when referring to the general practice or act.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.