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

England last won down under in 2010-11 and Ben Stokes' side will be looking to regain the urn for the first time since 2015.

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When England won the urn in 1986-87, they began with three warm-up matches against Australian state sides, played further tour matches between each of the first four Tests and white-ball matches between the final two.

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Vaughan did not know it at the time, but lifting the urn was to be his last act as an Ashes cricketer.

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Broad took his 600th Test wicket at Old Trafford but the washout, which ended the chance of winning the urn, was "the worst feeling in sport".

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Following the ceremony, her family were presented with an urn of ashes.

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Related Words

• container 
• jar 
• pot 
• vase