SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

bourne

noun
Save Word
\ ˈbȯrn How to pronounce bourne (audio) , ˈbu̇rn \
variants: or less commonly bourn

Definition of bourne

1 : boundary, limit
2 : goal, destination
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About bourne

Examples of bourne in a Sentence

still searching for the bourne that would give his life meaning

First Known Use of bourne

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bourne

Middle French bourne, from Old French bodne — more at bound entry 6

Learn More About bourne

Dictionary Entries Near bourne

bourn

bourne

Bournemouth

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for bourne

Cite this Entry

“Bourne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bourne. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on bourne

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bourne

WORD OF THE DAY

nonpareil

Listen to the pronunciation of nonpareil

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name That Food

  • a-light
  • Name these cookies!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games