urn
noun
\ ˈərn
\
\
Definition of urn
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
But a few things haven’t changed: Wally Updike’s urn is still on display and the wallpaper of naked women that’s been on the walls since 1961 is still up. — Caroline Glenn, orlandosentinel.com, "'You saved it’: Wally’s Liquors doesn’t look the same, but that’s OK, patrons say," 20 June 2019 Now, that child’s ashes sit inside an urn on a shelf at the great-grandmother’s home. — Roy S. Johnson | Rjohnson@al.com, al.com, "Johnson: The silent faith behind the decision not to prosecute Marshae Jones," 4 July 2019 Some urns used to hold ashes won’t fly by TSA checkpoints, and airlines have their own regulations, although most allow remains on flights. — Washington Post, "Consider security rules when flying with cremated remains," 24 July 2019 During Friday’s commemoration, an urn with the ashes of the sailor was placed in the river not far from the scene of the May 29 crash in downtown Budapest. — Washington Post, "Memorial event held on Danube River for crew of sunken boat," 12 July 2019 From the Asian holdings: Chinese urns and bowls, carved from jade in the 18th century. — Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Know, "Commentary: Denver Art Museum has turned into Denver’s living room," 7 July 2019 One provides the basic biodegradable urn and planter for $145. — Glenn Mcdonald, National Geographic, "From diamonds to rockets, mourning the dead has gotten high-tech," 17 June 2019 There are also Roman-style urns and marble statuettes, as well as antique portraits. — Ian Phillips, ELLE Decor, "Seventh Heaven," 1 Aug. 2012 The pots, distant relatives to amphoras and urns, stand on the floor and reach to the viewer’s ribs and higher. — Leah Ollman, latimes.com, "Ruby Neri sculpts flamboyant, fearless, nakedly female figures," 7 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for urn
urn
noun
English Language Learners Definition of urn
: a container that is often shaped like a vase with a closed top and that is used to hold the ashes of someone who has been cremated
: a closed container with a faucet near the bottom which is used to serve hot drinks
See the full definition for urn in the English Language Learners Dictionary
urn
noun
\ ˈərn
\
\
Kids Definition of urn
1
: a container usually in the form of a vase resting on a stand
2
: a closed container with a faucet used for serving a hot beverage
a coffee urn