Mausoleion
/ˌmɔː.səˈliː.ɒn/noun
An ancient Greek term for a monumental tomb, especially the tomb built for Mausolus at Halicarnassus.
Did you know?The original Mausoleion at Halicarnassus was so famous that Mausolus’s personal name became the general English word “mausoleum.”
Etymological Timeline
4th Century BCE
Carian/Greek
Mausolos / Μαύσωλος
“The personal name of Mausolus, ruler of Caria in Asia Minor.”
353–350 BCE
Ancient Greek
Μαυσωλεῖον (Mausōleion)
“The monumental tomb constructed at Halicarnassus for Mausolus.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Mausōleion
“A tomb or funerary monument associated with Mausolus.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Mausoleum
“The monumental tomb of Mausolus; later, a grand burial structure generally.”
15th–16th Century
English
mausoleum
“A large or imposing building containing one or more tombs.”
Modern English
English
mausoleum
“A building or room used as a burial place.”