urn

noun

ˈərn 

1

: a vessel that is typically an ornamental vase on a pedestal and that is used for various purposes (such as preserving the ashes of the dead after cremation)

2

: a closed vessel usually with a spigot for serving a hot beverage

a coffee urn

Examples of urn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Resting Place Dear Place: The urns are a great idea, and a beautiful way to honor her memory for the children. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

The extended family, with Chuang clutching an urn of ashes, collaborates to lift the vehicle stuck in the mud and ice. —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025

Paper flowers coexist with wicker urns sprouting real geraniums. —Mitchell Owens, Architectural Digest, 11 Oct. 2024

Father Tom Walker will preside, and Tootsie’s granddaughters will act as urn bearers. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English urne, from Latin urna

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for urn

• berne
• burn
• churn
• dern
• earn
• erne
• fern
• hern
• hirn
• learn
• morne
• quern

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Kids Definition

urn

noun

ˈərn 

1

: a container that has the form of a vase on a base and often is used for keeping the ashes of the dead

2

: a closed vessel usually with a faucet for serving a hot beverage

coffee urn