inurn

[ in-urn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put into an urn, especially ashes after cremation.
2. to bury; inter.

inurn

/ ɪnˈɜːn /

verb

1. to place (esp cremated ashes) in an urn
2. See inter
   a less common word for inter

Derived Forms

• inˈurnment, noun

Other Words From

• in·urn·ment noun
• un·in·urned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inurn¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; in- ² + urn

Related Words

• deposit
• entomb
• plant

More About Inurn

What does inurn mean?

To inurn is to put something in an urn, that is, a decorative vase or container. Most often, ashes of a deceased loved one are inurned in such a container.

To inurn is also to inter, that is bury, a dead body, as in When our dog Scruffy died, we inurned her beneath her favorite tree in the backyard.

Inurn is almost exclusively used in the context of funeral rites and cremation. Some people will have a deceased loved one inurned and then display the urn in their home as a way to remember and honor the deceased. Both people and animals may be cremated and inurned. 

Example: After the ashes are inurned, the container is sealed and locked so that the ashes remain in the urn.

Where does inurn come from?

The first records of the term inurn come from around the 1590s. It combines the prefix in- meaning “inside,” and urn, a decorative vase usually used for holding cremated ashes.

Though less common, other things that may be inurned include plants and a large quantity of a hot drink like tea and coffee. A large or wide vase is sometimes called an urn, and a large metal container with a spigot used for distributing hot drinks is also called an urn. Making the drink in the urn can be called inurning.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to inurn?

• inurnment (noun)
• uninurned (adjective)

What are some synonyms for inurn?

• bury
• entomb
• plant

What are some words that share a root or word element with inurn? 

• urn

What are some words that often get used in discussing inurn?

• ashes
• cremation
• remains
• seal

How is inurn used in real life?

Inurn is almost always used in reference to burial and cremation.

passion burned too hot
too long, it's ashes inurned
in a charcoal bed
~#haiku #tweetkuchallenge [new word > inurn: put into an urn]

— Hai Kudos (@haikudos) July 26, 2014

Fire of Desire 🔥

I have a great affinity with fire
One day it will consume me
Turn me into ashes
Extinguish my existence
A few hearts will inurn me
But the fire l lit it other souls
Will linger forever
And spread like wildfire
Humanity will never be
The same again !!!

— manish kumar (@Manishkumarbook) June 2, 2019

O breathe a word or two of fire!
Smile, as if those words should burn me,
Squeeze as lovers should—O kiss
And in thy heart inurn me—
O love me truly!#JohnKeats

— Saumya Kulshreshtha (@Saumyakul) December 29, 2017

Updated on February 27, 2023

Try using inurn!

True or False?

Ashes that are sealed in something other than an urn, such as a decorative glass ball, are also inurned.