headstone

noun

head·​stone ˈhed-ˌstōn How to pronounce headstone (audio)
Synonyms of headstonenext
: a memorial stone at the head of a grave

Synonyms of headstone

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Examples of headstone in a Sentence

many of the headstones were for children who had died during the influenza epidemic
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.
Abrams focuses on 18th and 19th century headstones in remote yet picturesque graveyards in Vermont, and her viewers are drawn to her deep dives into the past that also touch on the dark nature of death and spirits. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 Purchasing a grave means buying the headstone and use of the plot; the temple, municipal cemetery or private cemetery owns the land itself. — Mimi Hanaoka, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 George Horn, 36, of Dundalk, admitted to spray-painting swastikas and other symbols on multiple headstones at Ohr Knesseth Israel Anshe Sfard Cemetery in July 2023. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Local authorities will cover the cost of the whole process — from new coffins or urns to headstones at the new sites. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headstone

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headstone was in the 15th century

Rhymes for headstone

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Browse Nearby Words

headstock
headstone
headstream
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Cite this Entry

“Headstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headstone. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

headstone

noun
head·​stone -ˌstōn How to pronounce headstone (audio)
: a memorial stone placed at the head of a grave
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