Cromlech vs. Dolmen — What's the Difference?

A cromlech (sometimes also spelled "cromleh" or "cromlêh"; cf Welsh crom, "bent"; llech, "slate") is a megalithic construction made of large stone blocks. The word applies to two different megalithic forms in English, the first being an altar tomb (frequently called a "dolmen"), as William Borlase first denoted in 1769.

A dolmen () is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of two or more vertical megaliths supporting a large flat horizontal capstone or "table". Most date from the early Neolithic (4000–3000 BC) and were sometimes covered with earth or smaller stones to form a tumulus.

A portal tomb.

A Neolithic tomb consisting of two or more upright stones with a capstone, believed to have been buried in earth except for a central opening.

A prehistoric monument consisting of a group of megaliths, sometimes arranged in a circle or in concentric circles.

A prehistoric megalithic tomb consisting of a capstone supported by two or more upright stones, most having originally been covered with earth or smaller stones to form a barrow.

A dolmen or ancient underground tomb in Wales, usually made with stones disposed in a circular shape.

More generally, any megalithic tomb, including passage graves and wedge tombs.

A monument of rough stones composed of one or more large ones supported in a horizontal position upon others. They are found chiefly in countries inhabited by the ancient Celts, and are of a period anterior to the introduction of Christianity into these countries.

A cromlech. See Cromlech.

A prehistoric megalith typically having two upright stones and a capstone

A prehistoric megalith typically having two upright stones and a capstone