Glossary
Eulogy
A eulogy is a speech that honors and remembers the person who died, usually delivered at a funeral or memorial service. It is often given by a family member, close friend, or officiant, and may include stories, qualities, and shared memories.
A eulogy is personal rather than procedural — it is the part of a service meant to capture who the person was. There is no fixed length or format, and several people may speak.
Some families ask the officiant to weave remembrances into the service instead of, or in addition to, a separate eulogy.
Related terms
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Common questions
- How long should a eulogy be?
- There is no fixed length, but many eulogies run roughly three to five minutes. The aim is to capture who the person was, and several people may each speak briefly rather than one person speaking at length.
- Who usually gives the eulogy?
- It is often given by a family member, close friend, or the officiant. Some families ask the officiant to weave remembrances into the service instead of, or alongside, a separate eulogy.
- What is the difference between a eulogy and an obituary?
- A eulogy is a spoken tribute delivered at the service, while an obituary is a written death notice that shares biographical details and service information. They often draw on the same memories but serve different purposes.
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