1. the powdery residue left after something is burned
Usage: plural form
2. the cremated remains of a dead person
Usage: plural form
3. ruins or remains of something destroyed
Usage: plural form; figurative

Examples

• She swept the ashes from the fireplace.
• The cigarette ashes fell onto the carpet.
• They scattered his ashes in the ocean.
• The family kept her ashes in an urn.
• The city rose from the ashes of war.
• Only ashes remained after the house fire.
• He flicked his cigar ashes into the tray.