name Common

Burns

bnz

Burns (name) means a Scottish and Irish surname, most famously that of the poet Robert Burns, and the name of several towns in the United States. Example: “They recited Robert Burns at the Burns Night supper.”

name

A Scottish and Irish surname, most famously that of the poet Robert Burns, and the name of several towns in the United States.

"They recited Robert Burns at the Burns Night supper."

Word forms

Burnses plural, Burns plural

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They recited Robert _____ at the Burns Night supper.

Etymology

As a Scottish surname, from places containing burn ("stream"); as an Irish surname, Anglicized from Ó Broin.

Origin: Irish

Frequently asked questions

What does “Burns” mean?

The word “Burns” means a Scottish and Irish surname, most famously that of the poet Robert Burns, and the name of several towns in the United States.

How do you pronounce “Burns”?

“Burns” is pronounced bnz (/bɝnz/ in IPA).

How do you use “Burns” in a sentence?

Here is “Burns” used in a sentence: “They recited Robert Burns at the Burns Night supper.”

What part of speech is “Burns”?

“Burns” is a name.

Where does the word “Burns” come from?

The word “Burns” comes from Irish. As a Scottish surname, from places containing burn ("stream"); as an Irish surname, Anglicized from Ó Broin.

Is “Burns” a common word?

“Burns” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Who was Robert Burns?

Robert Burns was a famous Scottish poet who bore the surname Burns. He is the best-known holder of the name and is celebrated especially in Scotland.

Is 'Burns' a Scottish or Irish surname?

Burns is found as both a Scottish and an Irish surname. It is also the name of several towns in the United States.

What is the difference between 'Burns' the surname and 'burns' the everyday word?

'Burns' as a surname is a proper noun and always capitalised, while 'burns' as an ordinary word is the plural noun or the verb form meaning to be on fire or to injure with heat. They share a spelling but are unrelated.

What is Burns Night?

Burns Night is an annual celebration held in honour of the poet Robert Burns, whose surname gives the occasion its name. It is marked especially in Scotland with food, poetry, and music.

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Vocabulary lists that include Burns:

Words with Celtic origins Words that start with B The 5000 most common English words