ossuary

noun

os·​su·​ary ˈä-shə-ˌwer-ē How to pronounce ossuary (audio)
-syə-,
-sə-
plural ossuaries
: a depository for the bones of the dead

Examples of ossuary in a Sentence

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.
Image Most of the mausoleums still belong in private hands; if family leases are not renewed, remains are discreetly removed to the ossuary. Sadie Stein, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Recorded in July 2024 and set to be released on June 6 via Matador Records/Remote Control Records, the unique performance saw the rock outfit head beneath the surface of Paris to perform within the sprawling 200-mile ossuary. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 14 May 2025 Small stone receptacles used for secondary burials, known as ossuaries, will be on display as well. Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 22 Nov. 2024 The ossuary remained inaccessible from the late 16th century until the middle of the 20th, when the Church of San Pablo underwent a major renovation and cupolas were added to replace the original wooden roof. Franz Lidz Meghan Dhaliwal, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for ossuary

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin ossuarium, from Latin, neuter of ossuarius of bones, from Old Latin ossua, plural of oss-, os

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ossuary was in 1658

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ossuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ossuary. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ossuary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!