charnel

/ˈtʃɑrnl/
IPA guide

Other forms: charnels

Definitions of charnel
  1. adjective
    gruesomely indicative of death or the dead
    “a charnel smell came from the chest filled with dead men's bones”
    synonyms: ghastly, sepulchral
    offensive
    unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses
  2. noun
    a vault or building where corpses or bones are deposited
    synonyms: charnel house
    see moresee less
    type of:
    burial vault, vault
    a burial chamber (usually underground)
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘charnel'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing charnel

"The Pit and the Pendulum," Vocabulary from the short story

As you read Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum," learn this word list. Here are links to lists for texts in Grade 11's Collection 3: Song of Myself, Growing Up Asian in America, poems by Emily Dickinson, Walden, Against Nature, The Minister's Black Veil, The Pit and the Pendulum

"The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," Vocabulary from Act 4

As you read Act 4 of William Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," learn this word list. Here are links to lists for texts in Grade 9's Collection 4: Love's Vocabulary, elements of Shakespearean drama, Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Romeo and Juliet, Act 4, Romeo and Juliet, Act 5, Pyramus and Thisbe, Duty

view more about the vocabulary list
Body Language: Carn ("Flesh")

Learn these words that derive from the Latin word caro, meaning "flesh." Want to dissect more English words related to anatomy? Here are links to our complete set of Body Language lists: Corp ("Body") / Capit, Capt ("Head") / Or, Os ("Mouth") / Dent, Dont ("Tooth") / Gastr, Gastro ("Stomach") / Neur ("Nerve") / Man ("Hand") / Ped, Pod ("Foot") / Derm ("Skin") / Carn ("Flesh") / Os, Osteo ("Bone") / Cor, Cord, Cardio ("Heart") / Psych ("Mind")

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS