Pyre

/paɪər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A heap of combustible material, especially one for burning a corpse as part of a funeral rite.

The ancient custom involved placing the body on a pyre and setting it ablaze.

A structure built for burning something, often used in rituals or sacrifices.

The villagers gathered around the pyre as the fire was lit to celebrate the festival.

A large pile of burning materials, often used metaphorically to describe a scene of destruction.

The ruins of the house were nothing but a pyre, smoldering in the aftermath of the fire.

From Old English 'pyr', which comes from the Latin 'pyrum' meaning 'fire'.

to set ablaze

To ignite or set on fire; often used in the context of lighting a pyre.

a pyre of memories

A metaphorical expression referring to a collection of memories associated with someone who has died.

funeral pyre

A pyre used specifically for cremating a body during a funeral.

cremation

The disposal of a dead person's body by burning it to ashes.

memorial

Something, especially a structure, established to remind people of a person or event.

funeral

A ceremony honoring a dead person, typically involving burial or cremation.

Burning ambition

Her desire to succeed was like a pyre, fueling her determination.

A dramatic end

The project flamed out like a pyre when the funding fell through.