noun
Uncommon
bourne
bawn
Bourne (noun) means a boundary or limit, or a destination one is heading toward. Example: “Death, that undiscovered bourne, was the subject of the old poem.”
noun
1
A boundary or limit, or a destination one is heading toward.
"Death, that undiscovered bourne, was the subject of the old poem."
2
A small stream, especially one that flows only part of the year.
"A little bourne trickled through the chalk valley."
How to use bourne
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old or literary word for a boundary/destination, or a small seasonal stream.
When to use it
Mostly literary or archaic today, and common in English place names like "Bournemouth" and "Eastbourne."
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Word forms
- Plural
- bournes
Fill the gap
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Death, that undiscovered _____, was the subject of the old poem.
Etymology
From Old French bodne, ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly linked to a root meaning "bottom" or "base."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bourne
See all rhymes for bourne →Frequently asked questions
What does “bourne” mean?
The word “bourne” means a boundary or limit, or a destination one is heading toward. In plain terms, an old or literary word for a boundary/destination, or a small seasonal stream.
How do you pronounce “bourne”?
“Bourne” is pronounced bawn (/boɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “bourne” in a sentence?
Here is “bourne” used in a sentence: “Death, that undiscovered bourne, was the subject of the old poem.”
What part of speech is “bourne”?
“Bourne” is a noun.
Where does the word “bourne” come from?
The word “bourne” comes from Old French. From Old French bodne, ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly linked to a root meaning "bottom" or "base.".
Is “bourne” a common word?
“Bourne” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bourne” have?
“Bourne” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a boundary or limit, or a destination one is heading toward.
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