What is a grave marker?

A grave marker is defined as an indicator placed at a grave to identify the person buried there. This functional purpose is central to the concept of a grave marker, as it serves to commemorate and identify individuals in a cemetery. Grave markers can take various forms, including headstones, plaques, or crosses, and they often include the deceased's name, birth and death dates, and sometimes additional inscriptions or symbols that reflect their life or beliefs.

While some answers may suggest different interpretations, they do not align with the primary function of a grave marker. An elaborate monument without a name fails to fulfill the identifying role, as it lacks the key information needed to recognize the individual buried there. A decorative item unrelated to burials does not pertain to the cemetery context and serves no purpose in identifying a grave. Lastly, a piece of equipment used for digging graves is entirely unrelated, as it pertains to the physical act of burial rather than marking or honoring the deceased. Therefore, the definition as an identifier at a grave is the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of what a grave marker is.