bier

as in coffin
a boxlike container for holding a dead body lifted the bier from its stand and placed it in the hearse for its final journey

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bier While lying in state, the coffin was placed not on an elevated bier, but facing the pews. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 In the past, the pope's body would be displayed on an elevated frame known as a bier. Alec Schemmel, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Inside the 16th-century basilica, his casket won't be put on an elevated bier—as was the case with past popes—but will just be placed on the main alta, simply facing the pews. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 Last year, Francis approved new funeral rites stating his body should be on view in a simple coffin rather than being placed on an elevated bier, per the Associated Press. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 But, under the new funeral structure, the pope will be laid directly into an open coffin, eliminating the use of the bier. Alec Schemmel, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The German microbrewery/restaurant has installed new TVs in its bier hall and at the bar for your viewing pleasure. Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025 The Senate may well have all been murdered on Lucilla’s weird, theater-y funeral bier. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 2024 Among the changes, the new rites eliminate the practice of placing the pope on an elevated bier in St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bier
Noun
  • But the final nail in the coffin of the film’s watchability is how much effort the octogenarian star actually puts into the role.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 June 2025
  • New York scored six times in the eighth, with Brandon Nimmo’s two-run homer feeling like a nail in the coffin.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • At his funeral in Guatemala, his sister draped herself over his casket, weeping.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025
  • Standing a few feet from the casket, Genevieve wept and placed her hands on her face, appearing to be emotionally moved, the newspaper added.
    David Chiu, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In February, archaeologists revealed the lost tomb of Thutmose II, a pharaoh who ruled during the 15th century B.C.E.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • Baki’s tomb had a long, hall-like courtyard, with a second courtyard leading to the entrance of the tomb.
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bier. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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