urn

American  

[urn] / ɜrn /

noun

1. a large or decorative vase, especially one with an ornamental foot or pedestal.

2. a vase for holding the ashes of the cremated dead.

3. a large metal container with a spigot, used for making or serving tea or coffee in quantity.

4. Botany. the spore-bearing part of the capsule of a moss, between lid and seta.

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urn British  

/ ɜːn /

noun

1. a vaselike receptacle or vessel, esp a large bulbous one with a foot

2. a vase used as a receptacle for the ashes of the dead

3. a large vessel, usually of metal, with a tap, used for making and holding tea, coffee, etc

4. botany the spore-producing capsule of a moss

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Other Word Forms

• urnlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of urn

1325–75; Middle English urne < Latin urna earthen vessel for ashes, water, etc., akin to urceus pitcher, Greek hýrchē jar

Example Sentences

Other wall-mounted falcon sculptures in wood, bronze and glass suggest sconces, trophies and Greco-Roman urns.

From The Wall Street Journal

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

From BBC

Australia beat England by 82 runs to take a 3-0 series lead and retain the Ashes urn on day five of the third Test in Adelaide.

From BBC

Speaking on Test Match Special, former England spinner Alex Hartley said: "It's done, it's dusted, Australia - give them the urn."

From BBC

England's dogged resistance on day five at Adelaide Oval lasted into the second session before Scott Boland removed Josh Tongue for an 82-run victory to ensure the famous urn remains in Australian hands.

From Barron's

Related Words

• container
• jar
• pot
• vase