1. a structure with niches or compartments for holding cinerary urns or the ashes of the dead
Usage: also called columbarium; formal or architectural term
2. a dovecote or structure designed to house pigeons
Usage: archaic or rare usage

Examples

• The ancient Roman columbary contained hundreds of small niches for cremated remains.
• Families visited the columbary to pay respects to their deceased relatives.
• The cemetery's new columbary provides an elegant alternative to traditional burial.
• Medieval monasteries sometimes maintained a columbary for their pigeons.
• The architectural design of the columbary reflected classical Roman influences.