mausoleum

/ˌmɔː.zəˈliː.əm/

mɔː · ZƏLIː · əm (3 syllables)

English Noun Top 21,827
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Definition

A large stately tomb or a building housing such a tomb or several tombs.

Etymology

From Middle English mausoleum, from Latin Mausōlēum, from Ancient Greek Μαυσωλεῖον (Mausōleîon), from Μαύσωλος (Maúsōlos); named after Mausolus (?–395 BCE), satrap of the Persian empire and ruler of Caria, whose tomb was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Example Sentences

  • "Holonym: cemetery"
  • "As Amazon reaches maximum ubiquity in our lives (“Alexa, play Led Zeppelin”), as online shopping turns malls into mausoleums, it’s been illuminating to see exactly how a package makes the final leg of its journey."
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