1. plural of columbarium; structures containing niches for urns holding cremated remains
Usage: formal; funeral industry
2. plural of columbarium; dovecotes or pigeon houses
Usage: historical; architecture

Examples

• The cemetery featured several marble columbaria for families choosing cremation.
• Modern columbaria often include glass-front niches for displaying urns.
• Ancient Roman columbaria housed thousands of cremation urns in underground chambers.
• The memorial park’s columbaria were designed with peaceful garden settings.
• Historical columbaria served as elaborate pigeon houses for wealthy estates.
• Visitors can reserve niches in the new columbaria opening next spring.