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

This process leaves behind only bone fragments, which are then processed into a fine powder and returned to the family in an urn. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

In a Raleigh bedroom design, Ross styled the nightstand with vintage books, a match striker, a ceramic urn, and oversized beads. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026

There are golden urns on the Oval Office fireplace mantel and golden coasters on the coffee table. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

Has anyone told him about the Spotify urn? —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026

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

Video

How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

And is one way more correct than the others?

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