What's the Difference Between a Cemetery and a Graveyard?

Some people don't know the differences between a cemetery and a graveyard. They speak the first word that comes out of their mouth without giving it much thought. I am a wordsmith. Therefore, using the correct words is always important to me. I care about being precise when it comes to words and their real meanings.

Long ago, people were buried close to the church in graveyards. In fact, rich people were sometimes buried in crypts beneath the church. When graveyards became full, new burial sites had to be constructed away from the church in towns and cities. The burial places were no longer called graveyards. The word "cemetery" began to be used.

There are at least four distinct differences between a cemetery and a graveyard: size, location, tombstone, and church membership.

Cemetery: Definition and Characteristics

A cemetery is a place where dead bodies are buried. A cemetery is not affiliated with a particular church. Therefore, a person didn't have to be a member of a specific church to be buried there. Cemeteries are located in public places in much larger spaces that can be spread out. There are laws regarding cemeteries in every state.

The main difference between a cemetery and a graveyard is that all people can be buried in cemeteries.

Graveyard: Definition and Characteristics

Like a cemetery, a graveyard is a place where dead bodies are buried. However, a graveyard is always affiliated with a church and is located on the church's property. The size depends on the space available on the church's land. Therefore, most graveyards are much smaller because of space limitations.

When there is not enough space on the church ground, some churches purchase land close to the church. Even so, it is still a graveyard and not a cemetery. I have been to a burial in a graveyard where the church had purchased land across the street from the church for its graveyard.

The church has complete control of its graveyard. Because graveyards are affiliated with the church, churches usually have stipulations that only members of that church can be buried there. With church members, there might be particular requirements for headstones on the property.

One requirement is that headstones typically must be of granite or natural stone. Tombstones must be uncolored and unpolished and not made into elaborate memorials. Inscriptions are regulated to ensure that they adhere to Christian values.

Cemetery or Graveyard on Private Property?

The burial plot on private property is a cemetery and not a graveyard. It is smaller because it is for family members only. It is called a cemetery because it is not affiliated with a particular church. It is up to the family members to keep the area well-groomed.

Even with the definition and characteristics of a cemetery and a graveyard, some people will continue to use the words they have been accustomed to using. It is good to be aware of the differences, but know that using the two words interchangeably is acceptable by today’s standards.

You aren't likely to be criticized for using the two words interchangeably. If you want to be a wordsmith and be precise, use the word cemetery when you are talking about a large urban burial ground, and use graveyard when you are referring to the burial ground close to a small country church.

In case you want to use the correct word, but you can't remember which one to use, here is a big clue. Think of the word "yard" in both "graveyard" and "churchyard." Also, think of a "graveyard" as "a yard with graves." That is a sure way to use the word correctly.

Since you know about cemeteries and graveyards, check out the article What's the Difference Between a Casket and a Coffin written by this same writer.