mausoleum
noun
mau·so·le·um
ˌmȯ-sə-ˈlē-əm
ˌmȯ-zə-
plural mausoleums or mausolea
ˌmȯ-sə-ˈlē-ə
ˌmȯ-zə-
1
: a large tomb
especially
: a usually stone building with places for entombment of the dead above ground
2
: a large gloomy building or room
She invited him out of the mausoleum of a parlour into the kitchen.—D. H. Lawrence
Did you know?
Mausolus was ruler of a kingdom in Asia Minor in the 4th century B.C. He beautified the capital, Halicarnassus, with all sorts of fine public buildings, but he is best known for the magnificent monument, the Mausoleum, that was built by his wife Artemisia after his death. With its great height (perhaps 140 feet) and many beautiful sculptures, the Mausoleum was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though Halicarnassus was repeatedly attacked, the Mausoleum would survive for well over 1,000 years.
Cite this Entry
“Mausoleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mausoleum. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
