ENGLISH
REFERENCE

undertaker

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈəndɝˌteɪkɝ// UK //ˌʌndətˈeɪkɐ// un·der·tak·er Archaic

n. a person whose job is to organize funerals and prepare dead bodies for burial or cremation.

n. a professional responsible for the preparation of the deceased for burial or cremation and the management of funeral arrangements.


SIMPLE

The undertaker arrived to help the family with the funeral plans.

CONTEXTUAL

After the grandfather passed away, the family contacted a local undertaker to handle the service and the burial.

COMPLEX

While the term is increasingly replaced by 'funeral director' in formal contexts, the local undertaker remains a respected figure who provides essential support to grieving families in the community.

Synonyms
Origin

From undertake (verb) + -er.

Usage

Commonly used in British English; in American English, 'funeral director' or 'mortician' is often preferred for a more modern register.

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