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.
Father Tom Walker will preside, and Tootsie’s granddaughters will act as urn bearers. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 Some poems evoke the drama of famous paintings or the frozen beauty of Grecian urns. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Zarco then cooks the recipe to the best of his ability and serves a plate to his roommate and a small serving to Greg himself, whose ashes are in an urn on the dining room table. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025 The family had the ashes in an urn on an altar in their East Bay home for three years. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 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 22 Feb. 2025.

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
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