noun

ashes

ashes, remains

The fireplace was full of ashes.

The fireplace was full of ashes.

He scattered his father's ashes at sea.

He scattered his father's ashes at sea.

The city was reduced to ashes.

The city was reduced to ashes.

((ashes)) the powdery residue left after burning sth. The fireplace was full of ashes.

((sb's ashes)) the remains of a person's body after cremation He scattered his father's ashes at sea.

Synonyms: cinders, embers, remains, dust

From Old English 'æsce', referring to the residue of fire. The plural form 'ashes' is commonly used.

Remember 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust' from funeral services, linking the word to both fire residue and human remains.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.