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

Former Australia opener Warner competed in his final Ashes series in 2023, when his side retained the urn with a 2-2 draw in England.

Read more on BBC

It could be that the eventual destination of the urn is decided by which captain makes it on to the field most often.

Read more on BBC

Then, teetering on a step stool, I slipped the box onto the top shelf of the hall closet, right behind the Christmas wrap and the three urns containing the ashes of my dead dogs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Without Stokes, chances of returning with the urn dwindle to almost nothing.

Read more on BBC

Photos show the couple surrounded by roses, anemones, delphiniums and hydrangeas which appear to be set up in woodland with strategically placed urns and an archway, wedding florist Nicola Paul told the BBC.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• container 
• jar 
• pot 
• vase