Thesaurus results for CAIRNS

cairns

noun

Definition of cairns

plural of cairn

as in piles

a small quantity of stones heaped together that usually marks a place A cairn of loose stones marked the site.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of cairns Every few feet were cairns of glass swept away from shattered storefronts. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026 The Park Service recommends that people not disturb, knock down or add to cairns, though some parks caution visitors not to rely on them as official pathways. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 Above the glacial lake Ullswater, prehistoric cairns and burial mounds dot the high moorland, including the Cockpit Stone Circle, which spans 90 feet. — Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025 Found around the perimeter ring, there are six additional cairns. — Mike Bezemek, Outside, 29 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cairns

Noun

According to the press statement, the project is anchored by over 400,000 structural steel piles manufactured by PACO Steel, using 142,000 tons of steel coils from US Steel’s nearby Big River facility.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Burke piles fascinating shuffling sounds on top, invoking a quiet scuffle, maybe some cardboard boxes being knocked over in a storage space.

— Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026

Definition of piles

Noun

Why to Fertilize Petunias Petunias are fast-growing plants that produce mounds of foliage and abundant blooms.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Holston specifically recommends everbearing alpine varieties, which grow in small mounds and take up less space.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 12 July 2026

Definition of mounds

Noun

Bearing the Miley surname heaps pressure on to Mason’s shoulders, but the younger sibling is well regarded within the club and the hope is he will not be phased by Lewis’ rapid rise.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 10 July 2026
The previous day, a door was ajar and heaps of trash and children’s toys were visible inside.

— Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of heaps

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cairn

cairns

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“Cairns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cairns. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cairns

noun

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