Sepulchre

Sepulchre, also spelled sepulcher, is a tomb, burial chamber, or burial place for the dead. The term derives from Old French sepulcre, from Latin sepulcrum, meaning tomb or repository for remains, and by extension a place of burial. It can refer to any burial site, from a simple grave to a monumental vault, and in architecture is often used to designate a dedicated space within a church, mausoleum, or cemetery.

In architectural usage, sepulchres include tomb chambers, crypts, sarcophagi, or recesses that hold coffins or urns. Ancient and medieval sepulchres are common in cathedrals and mausoleums, frequently decorated with effigies, inscriptions, or reliefs. The term is sometimes distinguished from related terms such as crypt (an underground burial space) and mausoleum (a freestanding tomb), though overlaps occur.

In modern English, sepulchre is a formal or literary variant, while sepulcher is the American spelling. The adjective sepulchral describes tombs or death-related matters, or a tone that is grave, hollow, or solemn. The concept appears in religious and literary contexts, including descriptions of sacred relics, memorials, or the idea of a tomb as a final resting place.

Overall, a sepulchre is a designated place of burial, ranging from simple graves to elaborately built monuments. It remains a common symbol in art, religion, and history for humanity’s concerns with mortality and memory.