C1nounformal2K

Funeral

UK /["/ˈfjuːnərəl/"]/US /["/ˈfjuːnərəl/"]/

Definition

a ceremony, often a religious one, for burying or cremating (= burning) a dead person

In simple words: A sad event for someone who has died.

Examples

  • Hundreds of people attended the funeral.
  • a funeral procession
  • a funeral march *(= a sad piece of music suitable for funerals)*
  • A clergyman friend of the family conducted the funeral.
  • Everyone went back to the house after the service for the funeral gathering.
  • He read out a poem at her funeral.
  • The dead man's son arranged the funeral.
  • The family held a private funeral.
  • a mass funeral of the victims of the fire
  • the flames of the funeral pyre

Usage notes

Used in formal contexts when discussing the events surrounding someone's death. Avoid informal language as it can seem disrespectful.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'fun-eral' as a reminder it's the end of fun for someone.

Collocations

  • family
  • private
  • public
  • attend
  • come to
  • go to
  • be held
  • take place
  • ceremony
  • mass
  • obsequies
  • at a/​the funeral

Synonyms

  • memorial
  • burial
  • interment
  • committal

Antonyms

  • celebration
  • party
  • festival

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'funeral service' - 'funeral' refers to the event itself.
  • 'Funeral' used in a joyful context - it's always associated with sadness.