cairn

noun

ˈkern How to pronounce cairn (audio)
Synonyms of cairn
: a heap of stones piled up as a memorial or as a landmark
cairned
ˈkernd How to pronounce cairn (audio)
adjective

Examples of cairn 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.
In retirement, Gibson’s work shifted again from themes of spiritual passage and ferries, giving way to forms of grave markers and cairns. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 In practice, even a relatively basic job might result in a cairn of charred copper and broken glass. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Every few feet were cairns of glass swept away from shattered storefronts. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026 The remains in question were found in 2000 at a burial cairn in Loch Borralie, near the most northwest tip of the Scottish mainland, after erosion revealed a human cranium. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cairn

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) carne, from Scottish Gaelic carn; akin to Old Irish & Welsh carn cairn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cairn was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing cairn

Rhymes for cairn

See All Rhymes for cairn

Browse Nearby Words

Cairene
cairn
Cairn's ash
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cairn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cairn. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cairn

noun
ˈka(ə)rn How to pronounce cairn (audio)
ˈke(ə)rn
: a heap of stones piled up as a landmark or as a memorial

More from Merriam-Webster on cairn

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cairn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cairn

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