ashtrays
|ash-trays|
A2
/ˈæʃtreɪ/
(ashtray)
container for cigarette ash
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ashtray' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'ash' + 'tray', where 'ash' meant 'powdery residue' and 'tray' meant 'shallow receptacle'.
Historical Evolution
'ash' comes from Old English 'æsc' meaning 'ash (residue)' and 'tray' developed via Middle English 'trey' (from Old French 'treie'), and the compound 'ashtray' formed in modern English to name a receptacle for ashes.
Meaning Changes
Initially it meant 'a tray for ashes', and this meaning has remained largely unchanged into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'ashtray': small receptacles for ashes and cigarette butts.
Public ashtrays were placed outside the building.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 17:06