I. ˈfyün(ə)rəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin funeralis, from Latin funer-, funus funeral (n.) + -alis -al; perhaps akin to Old Norse deyja to die — more at die
1. : of, relating to, or constituting a funeral
funeral notices in the newspaper
made the funeral arrangements
attended his funeral service
2. : forming part of, connected with, or used in connection with a funeral or related observances
preached the funeral sermon
marched in the funeral procession
a grave covered with funeral flowers
insurance covered all the funeral expenses
3. : funereal 2
a sky that was dull and funeral
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English funerelles (plural), from Middle French funerailles (plural), from Medieval Latin funeralia (plural), from Late Latin funeralia, neuter plural of funeralis, adjective
1.
a. : the observances held in honor or on behalf of one who has died
dances held on the occasion of a chieftain's funeral
Egyptian animals had their ranks … and their funerals sometimes rivaled in magnificence those of the pharaohs — Elizabeth Lee
especially : a rite or service for a dead person held ordinarily in the presence of the body before burial or cremation
a church funeral with a Scripture reading and a eulogy
a funeral conducted by his fellow Masons
given a military funeral in the fort
— compare committal , memorial service , requiem
b. funerals plural , obsolete : a funeral ceremony or sermon : obsequies
his funerals were performed very solemnly in the collegiate church at Westminster — Thomas Fuller
2. now dialect : a funeral sermon
after preaching a man's funeral he walked down to pay his respects to the departed — A.W.Long
3. : a funeral party on its way to the funeral or committal : a funeral procession
the funeral is expected to reach the cemetery at 1:30
4.
a. : the end of the existence of something
planning the funeral of the opposition party
b. obsolete : death
5. : a matter of concern to one : a problem that one must solve : lookout
I didn't see how the prom committee could handle it, but it wasn't my funeral — Albert Halper