Gravestone

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Gravestone

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

GRAYV-stohn  /ˈɡreɪvstəʊn/

Definition

A stone marker placed over a grave, typically inscribed with the name, dates, and sometimes an epitaph of the deceased.

Plain meaning

A gravestone is the stone marker at a grave — inscribed with the person's name, birth and death dates, and sometimes a brief inscription remembering them.

Register

Neutral and solemn. Gravestone is used naturally in discussing burial, memorial practice, and historical research. Graveyard tourism — visiting significant or atmospheric gravestones — is a recognised form of historical and cultural tourism.