What’s the Difference Between a Gravestone, a Headstone, and a Tombstone? (UK Guide)

When it comes to remembering a loved one, the terms headstone, tombstone, and gravestone are often used interchangeably. Yet, each has its own traditional meaning, historical roots, and modern-day nuance.

If you’ve ever wondered, "what is a headstone vs a tombstone vs a gravestone?", you’re not alone. Many people and families are unsure. In this article, we’ll explore the exact differences between gravestone, headstone, and tombstone, compare them side by side, introduce different types of grave markers, and even talk about the price of a tombstone, price of a headstone, and the cost of grave markers in the UK.

Key Takeaways

• Headstone, tombstone and gravestone are not exclusively synonymous, as they referred to three distinct entities in the past, but are now commonly used interchangeably in the UK.
• The term headstone is the most accurate and most widely used of the memorial industry in the UK today, meaning that it is a stone placed upright over the grave.
• The first use of the word Tombstone was for the stone lid of a tomb or coffin; it has broadened over centuries, and now is used in a non-technical sense in everyday language:
• Historically 'gravestone' would mean a flat slab placed on top of a grave, not an upright stone; in old churchyards many flat slabs of the floor were 'gravestone' in the original sense of the word.
• When contacting a memorial mason or the cemetery authority in the UK, the term "headstone" is the most obvious and unambiguous.
• The broadest term is grave marker - which encompasses all types from upright headstones, flat lawn markers, slant markers, kerb sets, cremation tablets.
• When a trade buyer asks for a "tombstone" he or she is probably in need of a conventional upright head stone and not a historical tomb lid.
• The choice of material is identical to all terms: Polished granite is the most durable, accepted in cemeteries and available in all types of grave markers in the UK.
• In both cases, polished granite is the most durable, cemetery-approved and available choice for all types of grave markers in the UK. 

Tombstone vs Gravestone vs Headstone: What's the Difference?

These phrases may appear to be synonymous at first glance. Traditionally, however, they were used for different types of burial markers: Headstone would be used as the stone marking the head of a burial, Gravestone would be used for the flat slab over a grave, and Tombstone would be used for a stone lid over a tomb. Use has become more ambiguous over the years and in the UK many people and even memorial masons use them interchangeably today. Nevertheless, knowing the original meaning can help to make decisions regarding the selection or ordering of a memorial. 

What Is a Headstone?

In modern terms, a headstone is usually a vertical stone placed at the head of a grave. It’s perhaps the most common type of memorial seen in cemeteries today.

Most headstones are made from durable materials like granite, marble, or sandstone. Granite is particularly popular, thanks to its strength and range of colours. Headstones come in several shapes, from simple upright tablets to more elaborate carved designs. 

The term “headstone” is widely accepted and used by both families and professional stonemasons in the UK. When you talk to a memorial mason, asking for a “headstone” will generally convey exactly what you mean.

What Is a Tombstone?

Historically, a tombstone was quite different from what many imagine today. Originally, it described a stone lid covering a stone coffin or tomb.In ancient or old European burials, a “tomb” was an enclosed chamber or above-ground structure, and the “tombstone” was the stone lid on top of that tomb.

Over centuries, as burial practices changed, the term “tombstone” came to be used more loosely. People began to use it for upright memorials, especially when referring to any headmark at a grave. Today, “tombstone” is often used interchangeably with “headstone.”

Interestingly, the word has found its way into popular culture and even decoration you might have seen Halloween tombstone decorations shaped like upright monuments in lawn displays, clearly borrowing from that traditional look.

What Is a Gravestone?

Traditionally, a gravestone refers to a flat stone slab laid directly over the top of a grave.

Unlike a headstone, which is placed at the head, a gravestone covers the grave itself. Many historic or churchyard graves feature flat gravestones, often carved into the ground rather than standing upright.

Today, the term “gravestone” is also used broadly and sometimes interchangeably with “headstone,” though technically it refers to the slab over the plot.

Headstone vs Tombstone, What’s the Real Difference?

• Placement: Headstones stand upright, tombstones originally covered a tomb, and gravestones lay flat.
• Usage: Today, headstone is the most precise and commonly used term in the UK memorial industry. Tombstone and gravestone are often used in everyday conversation, though they may carry slightly different connotations.
• Industry preference: Many memorial masons prefer “headstone” because it more accurately describes the upright memorial most people actually order.

Headstone vs Gravestone: Which Term Is Correct Today?

When you ask, "headstone vs gravestone”, which one is correct?". The answer depends on usage.

• In theory, a gravestone is flat and covers a grave, a headstone is upright and positioned at the head.
• In reality, most modern companies in the UK employ headstone since it has the design that people are used to.
• When conversing with the memorial mason it is generally best to use the term ‘headstone’ for clarity and simplicity but ‘gravestone’ is also widely understood.

Tombstone and Gravestone: Are They the Same Thing?

You may wonder, “Tombstone and gravestone, are they the same?” The short answer: not originally, but functionally, yes;  in many modern contexts.

• A tombstone originally meant stone closures to the tombs and a gravestone meant flat gravestones.
• Today the terms are used interchangeably for any stone in memory of someone, whether it be a memorial stone on a grave or not.
• In the UK funeral/memorial industry, professionals tend to be more likely to use the word headstone or memorial, but the word tombstone and gravestone are still common in the family and/or colloquial sense. 

What Are Grave Markers?

A grave marker is the general term used to describe any permanent memorial that is erected on a gravestone. This means headstones, gravestones, tombstones and anything else which indicates where they are and commemorates who is buried there. 

Using “grave marker” is useful when discussing design more broadly, especially if you offer multiple types of memorials, because it avoids confusion about shape or material.

Types of Grave Markers

There are many kinds of grave markers, here are some of the most common:

Upright Headstones / Upright Tombstones 

• The classic, traditional vertical memorial.
• Often made of polished granite or marble.
• Usually the first image that comes to mind when people think of “a grave stone.”

See full Upright Memorials.

Flat or Lawn-Level Grave Markers

• Lie flush with the ground; simple and low-profile.
• Ideal for lawns or memorial gardens.
• More cost-effective than large upright stones.

Slant Memorial Grave Markers

• Slanted slightly toward the viewer for readability.
• A popular compromise between flat markers and upright headstones.
• Good for tighter budgets, but still visible and dignified.

Kerbed Memorials

• Surround the grave plot with a border (“kerb”) of stone.
• Provide a well-defined, framed memorial area.
• Often used in traditional cemeteries or family plots.

See full Kerb Memorials.

Cremation Plaques & Tablets

• Smaller, compact memorials.
• Can be installed within cremation plots or narrow graves.
• Materials often include granite, bronze, or stone tablets.

See full Memorials Plaques & Vases

Bespoke / Custom Memorials

• Shapes (heart, book, cross, etc.) tailored to individual requests.
• Custom carvings, etchings, portraits, and inscriptions.
• Ideal for personalising a tribute.

See full Bespoke Memorials.

Conclusion

To put it simply, a headstone and a tombstone and a gravestone, although they may be used interchangeably, each has a traditional meaning. A headstone is usually a stone set up at the head of the grave, a tombstone was formerly the lid of a tomb and a gravestone was once the flat stone over the grave.

Today, the most precise and popular name for the modern memorial is headstone, although a few people might also be confused calling it a "tombstone" or a "gravestone". These are all types of grave markers.

Knowing the types of grave markers, upright headstones, flat markers, slant markers, kerbs surround or bespoke designs, can guide you in your choice of grave marker. Of course, there is also a cost consideration: prices for grave markers also differ greatly depending on the material, dimensions, finish, and installation.

If you’re exploring memorials, consider your budget, the style that best honours your loved one, and the council or cemetery rules. For an accurate, personalised quote, reach out to a trusted provider,  or check out our catalogue at Stone Discover UK to explore options and trade pricing.

FAQs

What is the difference between a headstone and a tombstone?

The modern term, headstone, is used for a stone standing at the head of a grave, and the stone lid of a covered stone coffin is called a tombstone. This has become confused over time and in the modern usage in the UK these two terms often mean the same: an upright memorial at a grave. The correct and professional terminology for the UK trade is "headstone".

What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?

Traditionally, a gravestone was a flat stone slab laid horizontally over the surface of the grave pit and a headstone was a vertical stone monument at the head of the grave. In modern usage the words are used interchangeably, but in a technical sense refer to different aspects of the position and orientation of the memorial stone.

What is the most popular term for UK memorial masons?

Most UK memorial masons, cemetery authorities and trade suppliers use the term memorial and the term headstone is used as the default as it most accurately describes the type of memorial which most families would commission which is the upright vertical monument. For several types, the term "grave marker" is used as a general term.

When talking about tombstones and gravestones, which is the right term?

Not originally. A tombstone was the lid of a tomb and a gravestone was a flat stone placed on a grave. In contemporary vernacular, many use them interchangeably, but in the UK they are not the preferred professional term; only headstone is.

Is it possible for a grave marker to be standing up?

Technically, no: in its original meaning a gravestone was a flat horizontal slab. In the UK however, today the word "gravestone" is often used in upright memorials too. To prevent any misinterpretation of orders, you may also ask your customers if they're looking for an upright memorial or a flat marker if they use the term.

A grave marker is different from a headstone, what is it?

A grave marker is a general term used to describe any permanent memorial that is set into the ground at a burial site, whether upright, flat on the grass, slanted, a kerb set or a custom-shaped marker, a cremation plaque. Headstones is one type of grave marker, which is an upright stone that is placed at the head of the grave.

In the UK, what kind of material are headstones and gravestones made of?

Most of the headstones provided from the UK are produced from polished granite, with Indian Absolute Black, grey granite and Bahama Blue being the most popular varieties. In the UK's freeze-thaw climate, granite is preferred for its resistance to weather and its ability to hold the polish. Sandstone, limestone and marble are also used, but need more upkeep and are more susceptible to weathering.

When ordering a memorial, does it matter which one I use?

To a professional mason or trade supplier, all three terms will have the same meaning. But it's more beneficial to be specific about the type you're looking for (upright, flat, kerb set, slant marker) than the name you give it. If you communicate with a cemetery authority, call it headstone, not "tombstone", because the authority's documentation often uses this word.If you communicate with a cemetery authority, use "headstone" or "memorial", instead of "tombstone" as cemetery documentation often uses this word.

Why is “tombstone” sometimes used instead of the word “headstone?”

The term "tombstone" has been popular for centuries, in part because of its use in literature, movies, and popular culture. Tombstone in some regions of the UK and among the elderly is used to refer to the stone on a tomb. It does not sound wrong in any casual dialogue, but it doesn't convey the same specificity as headstone in a business setting.

Are kerb sets and cremation tablets gravestones?

They are not restricted to traditional gravestones, but are included in the larger category of grave markers. A kerb set is a surrounding of a burial plot, a cremation tablet is a low or flat memorial for a cremation plot. The term "gravestone" does not apply to either of these in the literal sense of the word; both, however, act as memorials.