bier

noun

1
: a stand on which a corpse or coffin is placed
also : a coffin together with its stand
2
archaic : a framework for carrying

Examples of bier in a Sentence

lifted the bier from its stand and placed it in the hearse for its final journey
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 The Crockett Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest will feature live polka music, axe throwing, a classic car show and a yodeling contest, plus German bier, brezen and wurstle. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024 Kim Jong-un visited the bier of Mr. Kim early Wednesday to pay tribute. Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 8 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bere, from Old English bǣr; akin to Old English beran to carry — more at bear

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bier was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bier. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bier

noun
: a stand on which a coffin is placed

More from Merriam-Webster on bier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!