# cemetery

/ˈsɛməˌtɛɹi/ (US) · /sˈɛmɪtəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large area of land where dead people are buried. You usually find these places away from churches, often with many stone markers for the graves.

For teachers: a large burial ground, especially one not located in a churchyard. Typically used to refer to secular or municipal sites rather than religious ones.

## Examples

- The old cemetery is full of beautiful stone statues.
- The city council decided to expand the local cemetery to accommodate the growing population.
- Walking through the historic cemetery, one can trace the town's lineage through the weathered inscriptions on the Victorian-era headstones.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific local site.

---

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.
