Definition

1. Noun:
   • A memorial stone placed at a grave: A "tombstone" is a flat, upright stone, typically made of granite, marble, or slate, that is placed at the head of a grave. It is inscribed with the name, dates of birth and death, and often an epitaph or symbol to commemorate the deceased person buried there.

Usage

• The primary function of a "tombstone" is to mark and identify a burial site. It serves as a permanent physical memorial.
• It is a formal and common term used in the context of cemeteries, funerals, and genealogy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We visited the cemetery and placed flowers by my grandfather's tombstone.
  • The old tombstone was weathered and difficult to read.
  • The inscription on the tombstone simply read, "Beloved Mother and Friend."

Advanced Usage

• "Tombstone data" or "Tombstone information": In finance and business, this term metaphorically refers to the basic details of a financial deal (like a loan or bond issuance) published in an advertisement, listing the parties involved and key terms. It is named for its concise, formal nature, reminiscent of an inscription.
  • The newspaper included a tombstone ad announcing the completion of the corporate merger.

Variants and Related Words

• Gravestone (n): A very close synonym for "tombstone," often used interchangeably.
• Headstone (n): Another direct synonym, specifically referring to the stone placed at the head of a grave.
• Grave marker (n): A more general term that can include tombstones, headstones, plaques, or other objects marking a grave.

Synonyms

• Headstone: A stone set up at the head of a grave.
• Gravestone: A stone marking a grave.
• Monument: A structure, which can be a large tombstone or statue, erected in memory of a person or event.

Idioms and Phrases

• (As) cold as a tombstone: An idiom describing something or someone as being very cold, emotionally distant, or lacking warmth.
  • After the argument, his demeanor was as cold as a tombstone.
• Read someone's tombstone: A humorous or morbid phrase meaning to outlive someone.
  • "I'll read your tombstone," he joked, implying he would live longer.

Noun

1. a stone that is used to mark a grave