What is a commemorative inscription on a tomb or monument called?

A commemorative inscription on a tomb or monument is referred to as an epitaph. This term specifically denotes words or phrases that are inscribed on gravestones to honor and remember the deceased, often summarizing their life or expressing sentiments of love and loss from those they left behind. Epitaphs serve not only as a tribute but also provide a form of recognition for the individual, allowing future visitors to reflect on the person's legacy.

In contrast, a eulogy is a speech or written tribute that praises someone who has recently died, usually delivered at a funeral service rather than inscribed on a monument. A cenotaph is a memorial designed to honor a person whose remains are elsewhere, and it may have an inscription but is not limited to epitaphs. An elegy is a type of poem that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often about deceased individuals, rather than being an inscription found on a grave. The distinction between these terms highlights the specific role that an epitaph plays in memorialization practices.