A coffin is a box designed to hold a dead body for burial or cremation. Most coffins are made of wood or metal and shaped to fit a person, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet.

Coffins serve an important purpose in funeral ceremonies across many cultures. They provide a respectful way to transport and bury someone who has died, and they give family and friends a focal point during memorial services. In some traditions, families choose coffins made from special woods or decorated with meaningful carvings. In others, simpler coffins reflect values of humility.

The word casket means nearly the same thing in American English, though it originally referred to a small box for valuables. Some people use coffin and casket interchangeably, while others note that caskets are typically rectangular with split lids, while coffins have a distinctive six-sided or eight-sided shape.

Throughout history, different societies have created elaborate coffins. Ancient Egyptians crafted ornate coffins for pharaohs, sometimes covering them in gold. Victorian-era coffins often featured brass handles and silk linings. Today's coffins range from simple pine boxes to elaborate designs, depending on family preferences, religious customs, and budget.