Dictionarywakefuneral gathering
noun

wake

a vigil or gathering to remember someone who has died

Friends gather at the wake to remember their neighbor.

Etymology

A wake originally involved remaining awake in vigil, including beside the dead. The name broadened to the gathering held in their memory.

More examples

  • The family held a wake at home.
  • We attended the wake on Friday evening.
  • People shared stories during the wake.

Forms

wake · wakes

Similar words

vigil
Broader; may involve watchfulness without a funeral gathering.
viewing
Specifically an opportunity to see the deceased rather than the whole gathering.