headstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'headstone' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a stone slab or marker placed at the head of a grave, typically inscribed with the name and dates of the deceased. Example: The family placed a beautiful headstone on their father's grave as a way to honor his memory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of Harriet's correspondents said it was when he touched his partner's headstone that he finally understood its significance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are wider options for those seeking something other than a headstone in a churchyard or cemetery, but the need to remember remains instinctive, Harriet thinks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To summarise the plot, barely: our resurrected Belacqua is first accosted by a prostitute called Zabarovna Privet, then the infertile Lord Gall of Wormwood, and finally, as his own headstone, the groundsman/gravedigger Doyle (who, the text tells us, had appeared unnamed in "Draff", the final story in Pricks).

The Guardian - Books

Carlton lack quality personnel nearly everywhere you look on the ground and Mark Maclure may actually stand outside the ground with a shovel and headstone after this one.

The Guardian - Sport

Two years after Sophie's death, and still with no appropriate memorial, friends directed Harriet to a wonderful headstone they had seen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Finally, I could sit and have a cup of tea with her," says Harriet Frazer, recalling her first visit to the grave of her stepdaughter, Sophie Behrens, after her memorial headstone had been set in place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People often tell Harriet that the headstone is so important to them because it is the last thing they can do for their loved one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Worse, after the original headstone was vandalised in 1992, the replacement carried an image of a saxophone: but, to his fans' dismay, it was of a tenor sax, not the alto on which he made his name.

The Economist

When the City of London Cemetery adds a corpse to an existing grave, instead of replacing the existing headstone, it swivels it by 180 degrees, and four-sided memorials by 90 degrees, so the old inscription faces away from the grave.

The Economist

In Britain, where more than 400,000 wooden coffins are burned each year in cremations, a charity called the Natural Death Centre has been vigorous in spreading the gospel of "green" funerals, using cardboard coffins buried in open woodland and marked with a tree instead of a headstone.

The Economist

Until last September, their graves were unmarked.William Poole, better known as Bill the Butcher (he is the inspiration for Daniel Day Lewis's character of the same name in the film "Gangs of New York"), is buried here too, with a headstone that reads, "I die a true American".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about death or remembrance, use "headstone" to specifically refer to the marker placed at the head of a grave, rather than a more general term like "memorial" if accuracy is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "headstone" and "tombstone" interchangeably. While both mark a grave, a "headstone" is specifically at the head, while a "tombstone" may cover the entire grave. Use "gravestone" when referring to either.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "headstone" is as a noun. It identifies a specific object: a stone marker placed at the head of a grave. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "headstone" is a noun referring to a grave marker, most commonly found in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias" contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the term is grammatically correct and very common in modern English writing. When using "headstone", ensure it accurately describes a marker at the head of a grave, differentiating it from more general terms like "tombstone". To use alternative sentences, consider synonyms like "grave marker" or "memorial stone".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grave marker

Focuses on the function of marking a grave, a broader term than "headstone".

Tomb marker

Highlights the tomb aspect, similar to a "headstone" but can refer to larger structures.

Grave slab

A flat stone covering a grave, a more specific type of "headstone".

Grave monument

Emphasizes the monumental aspect, suggesting a more elaborate memorial.

Memorial stone

General term for a stone used as a memorial, not necessarily at the head of a grave.

Burial marker

A general term indicating something that marks a burial site.

Grave stele

A standing stone slab, often with inscriptions, used as a memorial.

Cenotaph

A memorial to someone buried elsewhere, or whose remains are unknown.

Memorial plaque

A plaque commemorating someone, not necessarily on a grave.

Epitaph

The inscription on a tombstone or plaque.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "headstone"?

A "headstone" serves as a memorial to the deceased, typically inscribed with their name, dates of birth and death, and sometimes a short epitaph. It marks the location of the grave and provides a place for remembrance.

What are some synonyms for "headstone"?

Alternatives to "headstone" include "gravestone", "tombstone", "grave marker", and "memorial stone". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of marker being described.

How does a "headstone" differ from a tomb?

A "headstone" is typically a stone marker placed at the head of a grave, while a tomb is a larger structure or chamber for burial. A tomb can be more elaborate, potentially housing multiple remains, whereas a "headstone" simply marks an individual grave.

What information is typically found on a "headstone"?

A "headstone" commonly includes the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, and often a brief epitaph or inscription expressing sentiments or honoring their life. Some "headstones" may also include religious symbols or other personal emblems.