mausoleum

noun mau·so·le·um \ˌmȯ-sə-ˈlē-əm, ˌmȯ-zə-\

: a stone building with places for the dead bodies of several people or the body of an important person

plural mau·so·leums or -lea \-ˈlē-ə\

Full Definition of MAUSOLEUM

: a large tomb; especially : a usually stone building with places for entombment of the dead above ground

: a large gloomy building or room

See mausoleum defined for English-language learners

See mausoleum defined for kids

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek mausōleion, from Mausōlos Mausolus diedab 353 b.c., ruler of Caria

First Known Use: 15th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: mauvePrevious Word in the Dictionary: Maundy ThursdayAll Words Near: mausoleum

What made you want to look up mausoleum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears