ashes

ash-es · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of "ash": the powdery residue left after burning.

  2. 2.

    The remains of a human body after cremation.

  3. 3.

    **(Figurative)** Ruins or destruction.

  4. 4.

    **(Cricket)** The Ashes: a Test cricket series between England and Australia.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    rise from the ashes — Recover or emerge renewed from destruction.
  • •
    in ashes — Destroyed, in ruins.
  • •
    sackcloth and ashes — A sign of mourning or repentance.
  • •
    rake over the ashes — Revisit past troubles.
  • •
    the Ashes — England-Australia cricket competition.

Related words

See also: ash, burn, cremation
Synonyms: cinders, remains, residue

Etymology

From Old English æsce, from Proto-Germanic askǭ.