noun
bourne
bawn
noun
1
A boundary or limit, or a destination one is heading toward.
"Death, that undiscovered bourne, was the subject of the old poem."
2
A small stream, especially one that flows only part of the year.
"A little bourne trickled through the chalk valley."
How to Use Bourne
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old or literary word for a boundary/destination, or a small seasonal stream.
When to use it
Mostly literary or archaic today, and common in English place names like "Bournemouth" and "Eastbourne."
Word Forms
bournes plural, bournes plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “bourne”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Death, that undiscovered _____, was the subject of the old poem.
Etymology
From Old French bodne, ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly linked to a root meaning "bottom" or "base."