What does obituary mean?
An obituary is a published notice or written account that announces a person's death. It commonly includes details about the person's life, career, family, character, and accomplishments, although shorter notices may simply announce the death and provide funeral information. Obituaries appear in newspapers, magazines, institutional publications, and online memorial pages, where they serve both practical and commemorative purposes. The word usually has a solemn but respectful connotation, particularly when the notice includes a detailed account of the person's achievements or character. Although “obituary” can mean a brief death announcement, modern usage often suggests a longer article or biographical tribute. The word is related to “obit,” a literary term for a death or the date of a death, and ultimately derives from Latin vocabulary associated with going down, dying, and burial.
A notice or published account of a person's death, often including a summary of the person's life and character.
"His obituary appeared in the newspaper the following morning."
The word can denote either a brief notice of death or a longer biographical account, depending on context.
Of or relating to an obituary.
"The editor selected the photograph for the obituary column."
Attributive uses such as “obituary notice” and “obituary column” are especially common.
The standard plural for multiple notices or accounts of death.
"The newspaper published obituaries for two prominent members of the community."
The word obituary comes from a Latin root meaning "to go down" or "to die," a fitting reminder that the word is fundamentally about mortality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of obituary
The English word “obituary” entered use in the late 16th century through French obituaire, from Medieval Latin obituarius, meaning “of or relating to death.” It ultimately comes from Latin obitus, meaning “death” or “funeral,” which is related to obire, “to go down” or “to die.” The related English word “obit” preserves the sense of death in literary and commemorative contexts.
Related word forms
How obituary is actually used
The word is formal and commonly appears in newspapers, magazines, institutional publications, and memorial materials. In contemporary usage, it may refer either to a brief notice of death or to a longer biographical account; “death notice” can sometimes clarify that the shorter meaning is intended.