What does urn mean?
An urn is a container with a long history in both ceremonial and everyday life. Its best-known use is as a vessel for the ashes of the dead, often made from stone, metal, or pottery and placed in a home, cemetery, or memorial space. The word can also refer more generally to a large, decorative container, especially the familiar coffee urn used in offices, hotels, and other communal settings. In these senses, an urn is typically tall, broad, and capable of holding a substantial quantity. The term may carry a solemn association because of its connection with funerals and remembrance, although its appearance can be elegant, architectural, or commemorative. Beyond these familiar uses, the word can describe an ornamental vessel with a rounded or tapering shape. Across all of these meanings, the central idea is a container with a distinctive form, often associated with preserving, holding, or dispensing something important.
nounA container, especially one made of stone, metal, or pottery for holding the ashes of the dead. More broadly, an urn is a large decorative vessel, such as a container for coffee or other hot drinks.
- A container for the ashes of the dead, especially one used in a funeral or memorial setting.
- A large vessel or container, especially one used to hold and dispense coffee, tea, or another hot drink.
- An ornamental, vase-like container, particularly one with a rounded or tapering form.
"The ashes were placed in a carved stone urn before the funeral service."
"A marble urn containing the remains stood at the center of the memorial garden."
"The meeting room had a large coffee urn ready for the morning session."
The standard plural adds -s: one urn, two urns.
"Two marble urns stood on either side of the memorial."
From funeral vessel to office coffee dispenser, an urn has carried both grief and caffeine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does urn come from?
The English word urn comes through Middle English from Latin urna, a general term for a jar or vessel. Latin urna was used for containers holding water, wine, or other liquids and also for vessels associated with cremated remains. The English word developed in senses that include both a funerary container and a vessel for liquids, including the modern coffee urn.
How urn is actually used
In its primary sense, an urn is associated with funerals, mourning, and remembrance, so it often has a solemn or formal connotation. In the expression coffee urn, the word is practical and usually neutral, though it can suggest a traditional office or institutional setting.
Easily confused with urn
An urn is a container, often used to hold ashes or a hot drink, whereas to earn means to receive or achieve something by effort.