headstone
UK: ˈhɛdstəʊn | US: ˈhɛdstoʊn
n. a stone marker placed at the head of a grave, typically inscribed with the deceased's name and dates
n. (archaic) the cornerstone or foundation stone of a building
The word "headstone" combines "head" (Old English hēafod, meaning "top" or "chief") and "stone" (Old English stān, meaning "rock"). Historically, it referred to the primary or foundational stone in a structure (e.g., a cornerstone). By the 16th century, it evolved to denote the marker at the "head" of a grave, distinguishing it from the footstone. The logic reflects the physical position (head of the grave) and symbolic importance (chief memorial).
The weathered headstone bore the name of a soldier from the 1800s.
She placed flowers at the base of her grandfather's headstone.
The archaeologist studied the ancient headstone for inscriptions.
In medieval times, a headstone often marked only the graves of the wealthy.
The headstone was carved from smooth marble, gleaming in the sunlight.