urn

[urn]

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.

urn

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• urnlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of urn¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of urn¹

C14: from Latin ūrna; related to Latin ūrere to burn, urceus pitcher, Greek hurkhē jar

Example Sentences

With four more stops before the urn is lifted in Sydney in January, have events in Perth set the tone for the rest of the series?

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This was a statement of intent as he bids to join the few England captains who have left this country with the urn.

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Recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in the summer, Stokes insists he is fit to play a full role as an all-rounder - vital to England's chances of lifting the urn.

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In May 2024 police searched A Milne's office in Springburn, Glasgow, and recovered 19 containers with ashes, just days after eight urns were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council.

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Stokes has not completed any of England's past four series because of various injuries and his ability to stay fit for the five Tests will be crucial to his team's chances of lifting the urn.

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Related Words

• container 
• jar 
• pot 
• vase