Meaning & Definition of word "Graveyard"

Graveyard

/ˈɡreɪvˌjɑrd/

noun:

  • 1. A burial ground; a place where the dead are buried.
    • Example: The old graveyard on the hill was overgrown with weeds and ivy.
  • 2. A place where something is discarded or abandoned, often referring to the remnants of things that are no longer in use.
    • Example: The junkyard was so filled with rusted cars that it looked like a graveyard for vehicles.
  • 3. A place where the past is preserved in some form, often used metaphorically.
    • Example: The museum served as a graveyard of forgotten artifacts from a bygone era.

Etymology

From Middle English gravyard, from grave + yard.

Common Phrases and Expressions

graveyard shift:

A work shift that starts late at night and ends in the early morning.

graveyard humor:

A morbid sense of humor, often joking about death.

graveyard of dreams:

A phrase referring to unfulfilled aspirations and lost goals.

Related Words

tomb:

A grave or burial place, often more grand or enclosed.

burial:

The act of placing a dead body in the ground.

mausoleum:

A building housing a tomb or tombs.

Slang Meanings of graveyard

Meaning: Graveyard shift

Example Sentence: I have to work the graveyard shift tonight.

Meaning: Graveyard of dreams

Example Sentence: His garage is a graveyard of dreams, filled with unfinished projects.