# casket

/ˈkæskət/ (US) · /kˈɑːskɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/casket
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a small, decorative box used for keeping valuable items like jewelry or letters. In American English, it is also a common word for a coffin used at a funeral.

For teachers: a small chest or box, often of fine workmanship, for holding jewels, letters, or other valuables. In North American usage, it serves as the standard term for a coffin.

## Examples

- She kept her grandmother's gold ring in a small velvet casket.
- The museum display featured an ornate silver casket used by the queen to store her private correspondence.

## Usage notes

- In British English, the 'jewelry box' sense remains primary; in American English, it almost exclusively refers to a coffin.

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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.