porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən 

1

: a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and a feldspathic rock and is fired at a high temperature

called also hard-paste porcelain, true porcelain

2

: soft-paste porcelain

porcelainlike

ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən-ˌlīk 

adjective

porcelaneous adjective

or porcellaneous

ˌpȯr-sə-ˈlā-nē-əs 

Examples of porcelain in a Sentence

The bowl is made of porcelain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kong started with a Universal glass meant to be used across all types of wine, but has since launched dozens of other products, including a line of more durable glassware called GV Home and a Ceramics Collection that features two styles of porcelain cups. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

According to San Angelo, the most common materials are cast iron (with a porcelain coating), acrylic, and fiberglass. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025

On the heels of her internet-breaking Maison Margiela porcelain-skin makeup, McGrath launched a limited edition Glass Skin Artistry Mask so fans could recreate the look at home. —Tracee Ellis Ross, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025

Dental specialists are now doing canine braces and porcelain veneers. —Jane Stern, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French porcelaine cowrie shell, porcelain, from Italian porcellana, from porcello vulva, literally, little pig, from Latin porcellus, diminutive of porcus pig, vulva; from the shape of the shell — more at farrow

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing porcelain

• hard-paste porcelain
• porcelain enamel
• soft-paste porcelain
• true porcelain

Kids Definition

porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən 

ˈpȯr-

: a hard white ceramic ware used especially for dishes and chemical utensils

Medical Definition

porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən, ˈpȯr- 

: a hard, fine-grained, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and that has many uses in dentistry