The soft grey powder that is left after something such as wood, coal, or paper has completely burned.
After the campfire went out, only cold ash was left in the fire pit.
Please sweep the ash from the fireplace before guests arrive.
✦ Old English æsce, from Proto-Germanic *askon, meaning the powder remaining after burning.
A tall tree with smooth grey bark and divided leaves, or the hard pale wood that comes from this tree.
An old ash stood at the edge of the meadow, providing shade for picnickers.
Carpenters like to use ash because it is strong yet easy to shape.
✦ Old English æsc meaning both “ash tree” and “spear,” because its wood was used for spear shafts.
A very light grey colour that resembles the shade of fireplace ash.
She painted her kitchen walls a soft ash to make the room look brighter.
The designer’s latest suit comes in charcoal, navy, and ash.
✦ Derived from the colour of burnt ash, first recorded as a colour term in the 14th century.
To knock or drop the ash from a burning cigarette, or to cover something with ash.
He tapped the cigarette to ash it outside the car window.
Please use the tray when you ash so the table stays clean.
✦ Back-formation from the noun "ash" (powder), first recorded in the early 20th century with reference to smoking.
