ashtray

noun

ash·​tray ˈash-ˌtrā How to pronounce ashtray (audio)
: a receptacle for tobacco ashes and for cigar and cigarette butts

Examples of ashtray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My father sat behind me at the dining table and tapped his pipe against an ashtray. — Jason Prokowiew, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Vintage ashtrays are also kitschy and can become a focal point. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 May 2026 Wood desks have replaced green metal mainframes, and the ashtrays and rotary phones are gone. — Marco Hernandez, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 And most importantly, don’t forget the lighters and ashtrays. — Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ashtray

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ashtray was in 1851

Rhymes for ashtray

See All Rhymes for ashtray

Browse Nearby Words

Ashtoreth
ashtray
Ashur
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ashtray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ashtray. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ashtray

noun
ash·​tray ˈash-ˌtrā How to pronounce ashtray (audio)
: a container for tobacco ashes and for cigar and cigarette butts

More from Merriam-Webster on ashtray

Nglish: Translation of ashtray for Spanish Speakers

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