Cemetery or Cementery
Unsure if you should write cemetery or cementery? Here's a quick guide to help you use the correct spelling every time.
Cementery
Incorrect spelling - Cementery is a common misspelling of cemetery. It is not a correct English word.
"Cementery" is a common misspelling of "Cemetery". Always use "Cemetery" when referring to the correct word.
Cemetery
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
Cemetery (noun): A place where the dead are buried; a burial ground or graveyard.
Definition of Cemetery
"Cemetery": Cemetery (noun): A place where the dead are buried; a burial ground or graveyard.
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
Synonyms for Cemetery
- • Graveyard
- • Burial ground
- • Churchyard (specifically if attached to a church)
- • Necropolis (formal or historical)
Usage Examples
"Correct:" My grandparents are buried in the town cemetery.
"Correct:" The old cemetery was quiet and peaceful at dusk.
"Correct:" We visited the historic cemetery during our trip to New Orleans.
"Correct:" Flowers covered the graves in the cemetery after Memorial Day.
"Incorrect:" My uncle works as a caretaker at the cementery.
"Incorrect:" The cementery was full of ancient tombstones.
"Incorrect:" She placed flowers at the cementery last Sunday.
"Incorrect:" They built a wall around the cementery.
Notes:
- • "Cemetery" is the only correct spelling in English.
- • "Cementery" is a frequent error, likely influenced by the word "cement".
- • Use "cemetery" in all academic, professional, and personal writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is correct—cemetery or cementery?
A: The correct spelling is cemetery. Cementery is a misspelling.
Q: Why is it spelled cemetery and not cementery?
A: The word cemetery comes from the Greek koimeterion, meaning "a sleeping place." The "t" in cement sometimes confuses people, but there is no "t" in cemetery.
Q: Is there a difference between a cemetery and a graveyard?
A: Yes. Traditionally, a graveyard is attached to a church, while a cemetery is a larger burial ground that may not be connected to a church.
Q: How can I remember the spelling of cemetery?
A: Think of the three e’s in cemetery—“Every End Eventually.”
Q: Is cementery ever correct in another language?
A: No, cementery is not correct in English or Spanish. In Spanish, the word is cementerio (which may explain the confusion).
Summary
Cemetery is the correct spelling for a burial ground. Cementery is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all forms of writing.