What does obituarist mean?
An obituarist is someone who writes obituaries, particularly for a newspaper or magazine. Obituaries announce a person's death and often recount their character, achievements, relationships, and career, so the role combines reporting with concise biographical writing. Because an obituarist may need to gather information and shape a person's life into a relatively short memorial article, the term can imply both journalistic skill and sensitivity. The word is most commonly associated with professional writers who produce such notices regularly, although it can also describe anyone engaged in writing them. It is related to the older word obituary, which comes through Latin from a term meaning death. An obituarist is distinct from a biographer: the former typically writes news-style notices following a person's death, while the biographer may undertake a full-length study of a life, whether the subject is deceased or living.
nounA person who writes obituaries, especially for a newspaper or other publication.
- A person professionally engaged in writing obituaries for a newspaper, magazine, or other publication.
"The newspaper's chief obituarist spent several days interviewing the architect's family."
"The obituaryist interviewed colleagues and relatives before drafting the memorial notice."
"Her work as an obituarist has documented the lives of several prominent local figures."
The plural is used when referring to several people who write obituaries.
"Several obituarists contributed tributes to the renowned scientist."
An obituarist turns a life into a carefully written final story.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of obituarist
The word combines obituary with the suffix -ist, meaning a person who does or specializes in something. Obituary entered English in the late 17th century from Latin obituarius, derived from obituus, meaning death. Related English forms include obituaries and the shortened obit.
How obituarist is actually used
The term is primarily journalistic and usually implies writing obituaries as a regular professional role. It is not restricted to newspapers, though that is the most common context.
Easily confused with obituarist
An obituary is the notice or article announcing someone's death and describing their life, whereas an obituarist is the person who writes it.