Pronunciation: [tˈuːm] (IPA) 
The word "tomb" is spelled with four letters - t, o, m, b - but its pronunciation is more complex. The IPA transcription for "tomb" is /tuːm/ , where the "o" is pronounced as a long "u" sound, and the "m" is almost silent. The stress is on the first syllable, with a slight rise in tone on the "u" sound. The word originated from the Old French word "tombe", which in turn came from the Latin word "tumba", both meaning "a burial mound or grave".
A tomb is a structure that serves as a final resting place for the deceased, typically designed for burials and memorializing the dead. It is a highly significant architectural and cultural feature found in different historical periods and various civilizations around the world. Generally, tombs are built above ground, although subterranean burials have also been practiced throughout history.
Typically constructed using durable materials such as stone, marble, or concrete, tombs come in various shapes and sizes. They can range from modest, simple structures to elaborate and monumental mausoleums. Tombs often incorporate symbolic elements such as sculptures, engravings, and inscriptions, which are intended to immortalize the deceased and convey honor, reverence, or religious beliefs associated with death and the afterlife.
Tombs are commonly found in cemeteries, graveyards, or designated burial sites, providing a central location for families and loved ones to visit and pay their respects to the deceased. They serve as tangible reminders of past lives and often hold historical and cultural importance. Tombs are not only a physical space for burial but also serve as a reflection of the society's traditions, customs, and beliefs surrounding death and remembrance.
The study of tombs and burial practices is known as funerary archaeology or sepulchral archaeology, providing valuable insights into past civilizations, as well as the social, religious, and artistic aspects associated with death and commemoration.
• To bury; to inter.
• A grave; a house or vault in which to deposit the dead.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tomb" originates from the Old English "tumb", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *tumbaz. It shares a similar root with other Germanic languages, such as the Old Norse "tumuli" and the Old High German "tumb". The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, but there are theories that connect it to the Proto-Indo-European root *dheu- which means "to close" or "to bury". This root is also believed to be connected to words like "dusk" and "dune" in English, which have similar connotations of covering or burying.
