crematorium

Everyday

1. A crematorium is a building where the body of a person who has died is burned to ashes, often with a funeral service in a small chapel there. tree →
2. (euphemism, family) «Going to the crematorium» is a gentle way adults speak of attending a cremation service for someone who has died. tree →

In the lessons

A word of adult life and family loss: a child may go with the family to a service at the crematorium, and later the ashes may be scattered or buried. It tells the reader someone has died and the family is saying goodbye. Phrases: «the crematorium chapel», «a service at the crematorium», «cremation».

Examples

• Grandad's funeral service was held at the crematorium. tree →
• We sat quietly in the crematorium chapel. tree →
• After the crematorium, everyone went back to Auntie's house. tree →
• The ashes were collected from the crematorium a week later. tree →
• The crematorium had a peaceful garden with roses. tree →
• Some people choose burial, and others choose cremation at a crematorium. tree →

Note

Plural: crematoriums or crematoria. Related: «cremate» (verb), «cremation» (noun). Americans also say «crematory». Some faiths prefer burial; many Christians accept cremation. Talk about it gently: it is a place of sadness and respect.