urn
Americannoun
-
a large or decorative vase, especially one with an ornamental foot or pedestal.
-
a vase for holding the ashes of the cremated dead.
-
a large metal container with a spigot, used for making or serving tea or coffee in quantity.
-
Botany. the spore-bearing part of the capsule of a moss, between lid and seta.
noun
-
a vaselike receptacle or vessel, esp a large bulbous one with a foot
-
a vase used as a receptacle for the ashes of the dead
-
a large vessel, usually of metal, with a tap, used for making and holding tea, coffee, etc
-
botany the spore-producing capsule of a moss
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
Explanation
An urn is a large, hollow vase that's usually made of metal or clay. Some urns are used for making coffee or tea, others are made to put someone’s ashes in. Go figure. Urn is probably from the Latin word urna for "a jar or vessel," but some say it’s from another Latin word urere which means, "to burn.” While some urns are used for making hot drinks, the most common use of an urn is holding the ashes of a dead person. Most urns are decorated. “Ode to a Grecian Urn” by the Romantic poet John Keats (1820), is a poem about the figures on a classical Greek urn.
Vocabulary lists containing urn
The Breadwinner
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Essential Three-Letter Words, Part 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Poet X
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The powdered remains are given back to relatives in an urn.
From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026
The hosts completed a five-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground after lunch on day five for a thumping 4-1 series victory, retaining the famous urn for at least another 18 months.
From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026
Cummins played one and got his hands on the urn.
From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026
In Adelaide, Cummins bowled magnificently and was the captain to seal the urn.
From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026
Dad returns his gaze to the urn and sighs.
From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
