1. an inscription on a tombstone or monument in memory of the person buried there
2. a brief statement commemorating or epitomizing a deceased person or something past

Examples

• The epitaph on his gravestone read ‘Beloved husband and father.’
• She wrote a touching epitaph for her grandmother’s memorial service.
• The ancient epitaph was carved in Latin on the marble tomb.
• His epitaph simply stated the dates of his birth and death.
• The poet’s epitaph captured his love of nature in just a few words.
• Many epitaphs from the Victorian era were quite elaborate and lengthy.
• The epitaph served as a final tribute to the war hero’s sacrifice.