Definition

A stone or marker placed over a grave to show where a person is buried, often inscribed with their name and dates of birth and death.

Example

The family visited the cemetery to clean the tombstone of their beloved grandfather.

Conversation

Did you see that old tombstone in the park yesterday?

Yeah, it looked really weathered and interesting.

I wonder who it belongs to and what their story is.

It would be cool to find out more about the history behind that tombstone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tombstone → It is formed from "tomb" (from Old English *tomb*, meaning a burial place) and "stone" (from Old English *stan*, meaning a rock or stone). A tombstone is a stone marker placed at a burial site to commemorate the deceased.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'burial place' ('tomb') marked by a 'rock' ('stone') — that’s why a tombstone is a stone that marks where someone is buried.

Visually Confused Words