Ashes: meaning, definitions and examples

Another form of the same word, used when referring to ceremonial remains like someone who has been cremated.

• He scattered his grandmother’s ashes into the wind
• The family decided to keep the ashes in an urn

Used to describe a small amount of something that remains after the main part has been removed or used, often seen in cleaning or chemical contexts.

• After washing the pan, there was still some residue left
• The sticky residue made it difficult to open the jar

Refers to small, partially burned pieces of coal, wood, etc. that are no longer aflame but can still be hot. Might be used when describing remains that are more substantial than ashes.

• After the fire went out, there were still cinders glowing in the fireplace
• Be careful, those cinders are still hot

Often used to describe whatever is left after destruction or an event. Can be used in a broader sense, not limited to fire, and can also refer to human remains in a formal sense.

• They found the remains of an ancient civilization
• The remains of the meal were quickly cleared away

Refers to the remains of something that has been burned, commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

• After the campfire, only ashes remained
• The empire rose from its ashes

Specifically used to describe the remains of a human body after cremation. Often used in funeral or memorial contexts.

• The family scattered the cremains in the ocean
• We kept the cremains in an urn

Used to describe what is left after the greater part has been taken or destroyed. Often used in archaeological or forensic contexts.

• Archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient civilization
• The remains of the meal were left on the table

Often used to refer to fine particles of earth or other substances. Can also imply a sense of insignificance or decay.

• She wiped the dust off the old bookshelf
• We are all just dust in the wind

The remains left after something has been completely burned. Often used in a symbolic or literal sense.

• After the fire, all that was left of the house were ashes.
• The phoenix rises from its own ashes.

Setting something on fire or being on fire. Can be used literally or metaphorically.

• They burned the old furniture in the backyard.
• Her anger burned intensely within her.

Burning something to ashes, usually in a controlled or industrial setting. Often used in formal or technical contexts.

• The hospital incinerated the medical waste.
• Old documents were incinerated to protect sensitive information.

Completely ruin or damage something beyond recognition or repair. It has a stronger negative connotation.

• The hurricane destroyed the small coastal town.
• The scandal destroyed his career.