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.
Ultimately, Mark Taylor's side put a stop to that and won three of the next four to retain the urn. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Each urn contained the remains of a single person, and two were inscribed with the names of their occupants: Senicio and Hispanae. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 June 2024 Some remnants might be preserved in a mausoleum, an urn or even kept as a keepsake, close to a loved one. Simone Talma Flowers, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 The urns have images depicting ancient battles, hunting scenes and myths like that of Achilles and Troilus. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near urn

Cite this Entry

“Urn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urn. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

urn

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on urn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!