Synonyms of urnnext
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
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 the background of the painting is a portrait within a portrait of two dogs, a black-and-white toy spaniel named Mina and a smallish tan greyhound named Die, next to a large urn. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 Or attempting to sell an urn at a pawn shop, only to accidentally spill the ashes inside it on the floor. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 After the deceased is cremated in a coffin, family members place some or most of the bone fragments into a funerary urn. — Mimi Hanaoka, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 Local authorities will cover the cost of the whole process — from new coffins or urns to headstones at the new sites. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urn

Word History

Etymology

Middle English urne, from Latin urna

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of urn was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

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

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