bier

noun

ˈbir How to pronounce bier (audio)
Definition of biernext
as in coffin
a boxlike container for holding a dead body lifted the bier from its stand and placed it in the hearse for its final journey

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bier The coffin was unveiled late on Thursday to a throng of sobbing supporters, who were swaying and beating their heads in time to a sung lament as flowers were thrown from the bier into the crowd. — Reuters, USA Today, 4 July 2026 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the bier of Kim Yong Nam on Tuesday to express condolences, and the funeral is scheduled for Thursday. — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 While lying in state, the coffin was placed not on an elevated bier, but facing the pews. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 Last year, Francis approved new funeral rites stating his body should be on view in a simple coffin rather than being placed on an elevated bier, per the Associated Press. — Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 In the past, the pope's body would be displayed on an elevated frame known as a bier. — Alec Schemmel, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The German microbrewery/restaurant has installed new TVs in its bier hall and at the bar for your viewing pleasure. — Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bier
  1. coffin
  2. casket
  3. tomb
Noun
  • After the church service, the crowd climbed up a steep hill and followed the hearses transporting the coffins to a nearby cemetery.
    — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Since Harald's death Friday morning, tens of thousands of Norwegians have expressed their grief by laying flowers, writing cards and lighting candles in front of the royal palace in Oslo, where the coffin arrived late Friday from the hospital.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of coffin
Noun
  • Her casket sat at the front of the church, draped with an American flag.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, watchful busts, haunted armor and stretching room portraits.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of casket
Noun
  • In fact, 58 people were present when King Tut’s tomb was opened, and only eight died within 12 years.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
  • All three will face a slew of charges, including injuring or removing a tomb or monument, disturbing the contents of a grave or tomb and grand theft, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.
    — Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of tomb

Browse Nearby Words

bids fair
bier
biers
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Cite this Entry

“Bier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bier. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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