Tombstone: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ชฆ
tombstone
[ หtoสmหstoสn ]
grave marker
A tombstone is a marker or stone that is placed at the head of a grave. It usually bears the name of the deceased, along with dates of birth and death. Tombstones can be made from various materials, including granite, marble, or sandstone, and can vary greatly in size and design. They serve as a memorial to the deceased and often include inscriptions or epitaphs that summarize their life or character. In some cultures, tombstones hold significant religious meaning, while in others they represent a personal tribute from loved ones.
Synonyms
gravestone, headstone, memorial stone, sepulchral stone
Examples of usage
- She visited her grandfather's tombstone last weekend.
- The old cemetery had beautifully carved tombstones.
- He left flowers at the tombstone on Memorial Day.
Translations
Translations of the word "tombstone" in other languages:
๐ต๐น tรบmulo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคเคฆเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Grabstein
๐ฎ๐ฉ nisan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะฐะดะณัะพะฑะพะบ
๐ต๐ฑ nagrobek
๐ฏ๐ต ๅข็ณ
๐ซ๐ท tombe
๐ช๐ธ tumba
๐น๐ท mezar taลฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌ๋น
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดุงูุฏ ูุจุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ nรกhrobek
๐ธ๐ฐ nรกhrobok
๐จ๐ณ ๅข็ข
๐ธ๐ฎ nagrobnik
๐ฎ๐ธ grafhรบs
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐะฑัั ัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฌแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mษzar daล
๐ฒ๐ฝ tumba
Etymology
The term 'tombstone' originates from the combination of two Old English words: 'tomb,' which comes from the Latin 'tumba,' meaning a burial mound or tomb, and 'stone' referring to the hard material often used in the construction of these markers. The usage of tombstones can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were employed as markers for burial sites. Historically, Egyptian pharaohs had elaborate tombstones and burial structures, which later influenced the practices of the Greeks and Romans who set up tomb markers in honor of the deceased. By the medieval period, the concept of a standard grave marker became common in Europe, and inscriptions became more prevalent. The design and ornamentation of tombstones evolved over centuries, reflecting cultural, religious, and societal changes. In modern times, tombstones serve not only as grave markers but as personal memorials that celebrate the lives of those who have passed.