ENGLISH
REFERENCE

urn

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɝn// UK //ˈɜːn// urn Archaic

n. a large vase or container, usually with a base. It is often used to hold the ashes of a person who has died or to serve large amounts of tea or coffee.

n. a large decorative vase or vessel, typically with a pedestal or foot. Often used for funerary purposes to hold cremated remains or as a large-capacity container for dispensing hot beverages.


SIMPLE

The family kept the bronze urn on the mantelpiece.

CONTEXTUAL

During the conference, the hotel staff placed a large silver urn of hot coffee in the lobby for the guests.

COMPLEX

The museum's collection includes several Greek funerary urns, each intricately painted with scenes depicting the journey to the underworld.

Origin

From Middle English urne, from Old French urne, from Latin urna (“vessel”). Doublet of urna.

Usage

Commonly used in the context of cremation or large-scale catering.

© 2026 English Reference