A formal or literary term for a grave or tomb, often used in historical, archaeological, or news contexts. In everyday speech, 墓 (はか) is more common.
An ancient tomb was excavated.
Many ancient burial mounds and tombs remain in this area.
An ancient tomb was discovered near the ruins.
Archaeologists are excavating the tomb.
墳墓 is a general term for any tomb or grave mound, while 古墳 specifically refers to the large ancient mounded tombs of Japan's Kofun period.
古墳 refers specifically to ancient burial mounds from the Kofun period, whereas 墳墓 is a general term for any grave or tomb of any era.
Graves and tombs (墳墓) are sometimes counted with 基 as fixed structures or installations.
desecration of a tomb; grave excavation
Compound of 墳 (mound, tumulus) and 墓 (grave). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination has been used in formal writing to refer to graves and tombs.