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

Horner pulled a small urn from his backpack and began to sob. —Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023

The red urn that for years had given Page a semblance of comfort was probably filled with someone else’s ashes, three experts told her after reviewing the contents. —María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2023

Fill out the front steps with black lanterns, pumpkins, and urns filled with mums. —Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2023

In Lille, for example, that included mid-century French propaganda posters and a 19th century butter urn. —Rachel Felder, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2023

Outside on the lawn, an over 8-foot tall urn by Mexican artist Eduardo Sarabia towered—its Chinoiserie-esque blue and white pattern featured unexpected hemp leaves. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2023

Large urns holding a tower of artificial pumpkins add height to the front door display. —Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2023

With the city’s death rate running at about 46,000 per year (roughly double the capacity of Shun Sum) in the past decade urn capacity has at times struggled to keep up. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 7 July 2023

Prince William and Prince George Sport Matching Expressions at Surprise Outing to Soccer Game At the match, an ecstatic Prince George was also presented with a mini-replica of the Ashes urn by Richard Thompson, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 1 July 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English urne, from Latin urna

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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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