n. 1 (often in pl.) the powdery residue left after the burning of any substance. 2 (pl.) the remains of the human body after cremation or disintegration. 3 (the Ashes) Cricket a trophy competed for regularly by Australia and England. 4 ashlike material thrown out by a volcano. ash blonde 1 a very pale blonde colour. 2 a person with hair of this colour. Ash Wednesday the first day of Lent (from the custom of marking the foreheads of penitents with ashes on that day).
[ OE sce ]