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

Derived Forms

• ˈurnˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• urnlike 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

The only other time since then they have won the urn down under was in 2010-11, when they batted the Aussies into oblivion for a famous first-Test draw.

From BBC

By the time England came to their senses, they were 2-0 down and reliant on the Manchester weather in their quest to regain the urn.

From BBC

When she later went to collect the cat's ashes, she saw the urn had been labelled "Not Dead Ted".

From BBC

Having played in five unsuccessful Ashes series, Thorpe was left out when Vaughan's side famously won back the urn in 2005, the younger batting options of Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen preferred.

From BBC

As part of that ritual, the skeletal remains of one of the men were immersed in a liquid inside a glass funerary urn.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• container
• jar
• pot
• vase