Synonyms of urnnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The exotic bug buffet has been replaced by a few bog-standard coffee urns, and the crowd of tuxedos has started to thin. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 June 2026 Use Sensational Cycads These sturdy urns are planted with sago palm (Cycas revoluta), a wonderful container plant with dramatic foliage and a Jurassic feel. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 Mark Culbertson told Los Angeles television stations KTLA and ABC7 that his family purchased several urns through Amazon after the death of his grandfather last year, intending to eventually divide the late relative’s ashes among family members once his grandmother felt ready to do so. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 20 May 2026 An Amazon customer relations member later advised him to bring the urn to a local funeral home, with the retailer offering to reimburse him for any charges associated with the funeral home's handling of the urn, per KTLA. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for urn

Word History

Etymology

Middle English urne, from Latin urna

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of urn was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Urn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urn. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

urn

noun
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

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