crematory

noun

cre·​ma·​to·​ry ˈkrē-mə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce crematory (audio)
ˈkre-
plural crematories
: a furnace for cremating
also : a place where the bodies of the dead are cremated : crematorium
… to help families with the most complicated logistics: filing the death certificate, getting the body released from a hospital, transporting it to the crematory or cemetery. —April Dembosky
crematory adjective

Examples of crematory 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.
Their discovery drew immediate scrutiny of the owners of the funeral home, who previously operated a south suburban crematory that was shut down in March 2025 after the remains of more than 100 bodies were found improperly stored there. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 Pointing fingers Unlike many states, Illinois splits regulations of funeral homes and crematories between two agencies, with IDFPR licensing funeral home directors and embalmers, and the Illinois Comptroller's office overseeing crematories. — Casey Toner, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 That permit, called a tenant improvement permit, is required for modifying or renovating the interior space of a commercial property and allowed the company to convert the former church into a crematory. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026 When looking to dispose of my retired flag, I was advised to call a local funeral home that has a crematory. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for crematory

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crematory was in 1876

Rhymes for crematory

See All Rhymes for crematory

Browse Nearby Words

crematorium
crematory
crème
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crematory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crematory. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crematory

1 of 2 noun
cre·​ma·​to·​ry
ˈkrē-mə-ˌtōr-ē, 
ˈkrem-ə-, 
-ˌtȯr-
plural crematories
: a furnace for cremating or a building containing such a furnace

crematory

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or used in cremation

Medical Definition

crematory

noun
cre·​ma·​to·​ry ˈkrē-mə-ˌtōr-ē, ˈkrem-ə-, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce crematory (audio)
plural crematories
: a furnace for cremating
also : an establishment containing such a furnace
crematory adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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