tombstone

noun

tomb·​stone ˈtüm-ˌstōn How to pronounce tombstone (audio)
Synonyms of tombstonenext
: gravestone

Synonyms of tombstone

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Examples of tombstone in a Sentence

the historic cemetery's many tombstones marking the graves of children are telling reminders of the harshness of pioneer life
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brushing off tombstones is a regular ritual in some cultures, including in Mexico where entire families clean and decorate graves, which are covered with orange marigolds for Day of the Dead. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 Some of these spooky spectacles incorporate lights that dance to music, animatronics that come to life and graveyards full of tombstones. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Authorities say the family has owned the tombstone for over 40 years. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Adding fuel to the debate is the discovery of ancient artifacts — texts, frescoes, tombstone inscriptions — that seem, to some, to depict women as priests in the early Catholic Church. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tombstone

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tombstone was in 1540

Rhymes for tombstone

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Browse Nearby Words

tomboyish
tombstone
Tombstone
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Cite this Entry

“Tombstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tombstone. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Geographical Definition

Tombstone

geographical name

Tomb·​stone ˈtüm-ˌstōn How to pronounce Tombstone (audio)
city in the southeastern corner of Arizona

Note: Tombstone was site of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881.

More from Merriam-Webster on tombstone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tombstone

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