ashes

¹ British  

/ ˈæʃɪz /

plural noun

1. ruins or remains, as after destruction or burning

   the city was left in ashes

2. the remains of a human body after cremation

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Ashes ² British  

/ ˈæʃɪz /

plural noun

1. a cremated cricket stump in a pottery urn now preserved at Lord's. Victory or defeat in test matches between England and Australia is referred to as winning, losing, or retaining the Ashes

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Etymology

Origin of Ashes

from the mock obituary of English cricket in The Times in 1882 after a great Australian victory at the Oval, in which it was said that the body would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia

Example Sentences

Curreri's company was appointed by Hull City Council in April 2024 following the removal of the bodies and ashes, when the scene had been released by police.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

The legislation prohibits the use of residential properties "specifically for the placement of ashes" as well as the burial of remains outside of cemeteries and areas where ecological burial is legal.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Michael Gittins travelled on the final service with his wife Lucy as they scattered her late father's ashes in the river.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Martínez had the man’s body cremated, and stored the ashes in a wooden niche in the shelter’s small chapel.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

He’s imagined it containing everything from his granddad’s ashes to the bones of some beloved pet to heaps of glittering jewels.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone