bier

Definition of biernext
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 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
  • Dozens of people, including relatives, military officials and friends from Gvili’s police unit, received his coffin at an army post on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The service moved between prayer and music, including a traditional Ave Maria, before concluding with rites that saw mourners approach the coffin, which was draped in white lace, to pay their final respects.
    Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Haul highlights include a footed pink alabaster casket box, a brass Art Nouveau hand mirror, and a vintage Emanuel Ungaro floral jacket.
    Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Hamas kidnapped 251 people during its surprise attack, with 85 returning in caskets.
    Jordana Miller, ABC News, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Firemen in their command center calm the fears of the locals who call in, law enforcement tracks down tomb robbers, while in the port of Torre Annunziata, Syrian tankers unload Ukrainian grain.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Located in San Pablo Huitzo, in the state of Oaxaca, the tomb was built by the Zapotec culture in around the year 600, according to a statement from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) last week.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bier. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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