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ashtray

American

[ash-trey] / ˈæʃˌtreɪ /

noun

a receptacle for tobacco ashes of smokers.

ashtray British

/ ˈæʃˌtreɪ /

noun

a receptacle for tobacco ash, cigarette butts, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ashtray

First recorded in 1885–90; ash ¹ + tray ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fiji's ambassador to the United Nations, Filipo Tarakinikini, wrote on social media on Monday that the Vuda coast north of Nadi "must not become the Pacific's ashtray".

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Most of these kids have never seen an ashtray or a car cigarette lighter before.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 28, 2025

Rogue Paq Poppy Party Ashtray The ultimate host’s ashtray, the Poppy Party Ashtray looks like a beautiful poppy, in polished brass or nickel-plated finishes.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

“I bought the first one of these on EBay,” Rogen said of a standing Maurice Chalvignac ashtray that looks like the lovechild of a dumbbell and a Q-tip.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

“Well,” said Henry, reaching for the ashtray, “do you know where he is, then?”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023