amphora

noun am·pho·ra \ ˈam(p)-fə-rə \

Definition of amphora

plural amphorae play \-ˌrē, -ˌrī\ or amphoras

1 :an ancient Greek jar or vase with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck, and two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth; broadly :such a jar or vase used elsewhere in the ancient world

2 :a 2-handled vessel shaped like an amphora

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Recent Examples of amphora from the Web

Equally impressive is an unbroken amphora on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York that depicts a singing, swaying Citharode, a robed young man playing the stringed kithara.

— steven litt, cleveland.com, "Toledo Museum of Art hosts first solo show in 25 centuries on ancient Greek Berlin Painter (photos)," 23 July 2017
Book a tasting of amphora wines at the bar, then stay for a bite of buttery presunto ham made from Alentajano black pigs.

— laura giannatempo, CNT, "Why You Should Visit Alentejo, Portugal's Underrated Wine Region," 21 July 2017
And it is made in the ancient way: The grapes, indigenous to Georgia, are fermented in qvevri, clay amphora-like vessels lined with beeswax and buried in the earth.

— eric asimov, New York Times, "20 Wines Under $20: The Savory Side of Rosé," 22 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amphora.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.