as in pile
a small quantity of stones heaped together that usually marks a place
A cairn of loose stones marked the site.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cairn
Most of what remains of the historic General Crook Trail are eroding two tracks, toppled rock cairns, tree blazes, a few telegraph insulators and roadside monuments.
—
Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
Last year alone, vandals sprayed red paint on trees, rocks and cairns at Acadia National Park; smashed windows and kicked in doors at Mammoth Cave National Park; and damaged the historic church at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Narrow passages lead into these cairns, which hold several tombs.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024
According to the park service, cairns are most commonly used to designate hiking routes.
—Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for cairn 
Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
Last year alone, vandals sprayed red paint on trees, rocks and cairns at Acadia National Park; smashed windows and kicked in doors at Mammoth Cave National Park; and damaged the historic church at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Narrow passages lead into these cairns, which hold several tombs.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024
According to the park service, cairns are most commonly used to designate hiking routes.
—Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for cairn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cairn
Noun
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The boy was dressed in a black T-shirt and baggy jeans, and with a pile of black curls on top.—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
11 Feb. 2025
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While the hauling service appears to be keeping up with the county’s sludge piles for now, the contracts were issued under emergency procurement rules that don’t obligate the hauler to continue servicing the plant all day long.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Joe just is not able to perform on the mound this year.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
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Assuming Ohtani returns to the mound during that timeframe, the Dodgers can rotate Yamamoto, Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and either Miller, Gonsolin or May in the meantime.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The two-plug-plus-S/PDIF audio stack, the quick connect Wi-Fi 7, and the 2.5GbE port are on the right.—
Joe Shields,
PCMAG,
17 Feb. 2025
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Erivo accessorized the look with sparkly Bucherer Fine Jewellery rings and impressive earring stack and her signature bejeweled nails.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Most people associate skiing there with the Dolomites, the massive mountain range in the northeast.—
Jen Murphy,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
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In an old store on a small street tucked high up under a giant mountain, the idea of planting things seemed natural.—
The Editors of AD,
Architectural Digest,
7 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cairn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cairn. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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