'urnlike' originates from the noun 'urn' (from Latin 'urna' via Old French) combined with the English suffix '-like' (from Old English '-lic'/'-like'), meaning 'having the form of' or 'similar to'.

'urn' originates from Latin 'urna' and entered English via Old French 'urne'; the adjectival suffix '-like' developed from Old English '-lic' and Middle English '-like', and the compound form 'urnlike' is a modern English formation combining these elements.

Initially the elements meant 'a rounded vessel' ('urna') and 'having the form of' ('-lic/ -like'); combined, they have maintained the straightforward meaning 'having the form or appearance of an urn'.