Cemetery: meaning, definitions and examples

A cemetery is a large, formally arranged place where people are buried. It is often divided into sections and may have pathways, trees, and benches for visitors.

• She visits her grandmother's grave at the cemetery every Sunday
• The cemetery is beautifully maintained and peaceful

Graveyard is an older term, often used interchangeably with cemetery, but it typically refers to smaller grounds, often associated with a church. It can sometimes carry a slightly eerie connotation.

• The old church graveyard is full of historic tombstones
• Kids dare not walk through the graveyard at night

This term is broader and often refers to a historical or ancient site where people have been buried. Burial grounds can be informal and might be found in various locations, including near historical landmarks.

• Archaeologists discovered an ancient burial ground near the ruins of the old city
• The tribe used the burial ground for generations

Grave site refers to the specific location of an individual's grave within a cemetery or burial ground. It is a more personal term, often used when talking about visiting or maintaining a particular grave.

• We placed flowers on her grave site
• The grave site is marked with a granite headstone