crematory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “crematory” mean?
A furnace or establishment for the incineration of dead bodies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A furnace or establishment for the incineration of dead bodies.
A building or facility containing the equipment for cremation; can also refer to the cremation chamber itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'crematorium' is overwhelmingly preferred for the facility. 'Crematory' is understood but rare. In American English, 'crematory' is standard, though 'crematorium' is also used.
Connotations
Both terms carry the same solemn, funereal connotations. 'Crematory' can sound slightly more technical or direct to a British ear.
Frequency
'Crematory' is frequent in AmE, rare in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “crematory” in a Sentence
The [body] was taken to the crematory.The [city/council] operates a crematory.[Family] made arrangements at the crematory.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crematory” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The body was cremated at the local crematorium.
American English
- She chose to have her remains cremated at the city crematory.
adverb
British English
- The coffin was moved crematorially towards the chamber.
American English
- The remains were handled crematorially, with great dignity.
adjective
British English
- The crematorium charges were clearly listed.
American English
- The crematory process is subject to strict regulations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the funeral services industry; e.g., 'We invested in a new crematory unit.'
Academic
Used in sociology, anthropology, or history papers discussing funeral practices.
Everyday
Used when discussing funeral arrangements; e.g., 'The service will be held at the local crematory.'
Technical
Precise term in funeral directing, architecture, and engineering for the facility and its equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crematory”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crematory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crematory”
- Using 'crematory' as a verb (the verb is 'to cremate').
- Confusing 'crematory' (place) with 'cremains' (cremated remains).
- Misspelling as 'cremetory' (mixing with 'cemetery').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It primarily refers to the building or facility housing the cremation furnaces, though in context it can be used to mean the furnace (cremator) itself.
They are synonyms. 'Crematorium' is standard in British and Commonwealth English, while 'crematory' is standard in American English.
Yes, but it's less common. 'Crematory furnace' or 'crematory services' are possible. 'Cremation' is more frequent as a modifier (e.g., cremation services).
It is grammatically correct, but pragmatically, one usually visits a cemetery or memorial garden. 'Crematory' is visited for a specific ceremony, not typically for casual visitation.
A furnace or establishment for the incineration of dead bodies.
Crematory is usually formal, technical in register.
Crematory: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɛmət(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkriːmətɔːri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go from the church to the crematory.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CREMate + stORY. The story of a life ends at the crematory.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY or TRANSFORMER (transforming the physical body).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'crematory' the most standard term for the facility?