Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for urn

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈurnˌlike, adjective
Discover More

Other Words From

  • urnlike adjective
Discover More

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
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of urn1

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

Example Sentences

The Oberhausen aquarium erected a memorial of the psychic octopus with a golden urn containing his ashes.

We have a lock of his hair, a few photos, and plaster footprints, along with the tiny blue urn we chose when we had him cremated.

The boys remains are supposedly contained in an urn in Westminster Abbey.

The Queen was reportedly in "full agreement" with the church authorities that the urn should not be opened.

Browne wrote hauntingly of the resemblance between the urn and the womb.

After the burning, the bones are collected, placed in an urn, and interred upon some eminence under a small monument.

These simple objects speak more directly to the heart than storied urn or animated bust.

She squatted at my feet, putting the tray on the bench, and holding a large graceful urn of some liquid to replenish my cup.

The heart of Anne is likewise buried in a silver urn in the same vault.

The urn had been sent down, with strict injunctions to keep the water boiling, and all was cleared away.

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


UrmstonUr-Nammu