Interment: meaning, definitions and examples

Interment is often used in formal or legal contexts, especially when referring to the act of placing a body in a grave or tomb. It is a more technical term that might be seen in official documents or announcements.

• The interment will take place at the family plot on Friday.
• After the funeral service, the interment was conducted at the cemetery.

Burial is the most common and general term for placing a body in the ground. It is often used in everyday conversation and can refer to both modern and traditional practices.

• The family gathered for the burial ceremony.
• He expressed a desire for a simple burial in his hometown.

Entombment refers specifically to placing a body in a tomb or mausoleum, rather than burying it in the ground. It is often used in discussions about above-ground interment options and might be used when referring to more elaborate or historical burial practices.

• The entombment took place in the grand family mausoleum.
• Entombment in this ancient site is reserved for royalty.

This term is typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe the act of placing a deceased person into their final resting place. It may be used in official documents or during formal ceremonies.

• The interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
• The family gathered for the interment ceremony to say their final goodbyes.

This is a general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is the most commonly used word to refer to the process of placing a body into the ground.

• They held a small burial service for him in the local churchyard.
• The burial took place under a large oak tree.

This word is used when referring to placing a body in a tomb or mausoleum. It is a more specific term compared to 'burial' and is often used in formal or historical contexts.

• The entombment of the pharaoh was a highly elaborate process.
• Her family chose entombment in a grand mausoleum.