amphora

noun

am·​pho·​ra ˈam(p)-fə-rə 

plural amphorae ˈam(p)-fə-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

Illustration of amphora

• amphora 1

Examples of amphora in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An amphora is a type of container vessel with a pointed bottom and characteristic form that dates back to prehistoric times. —David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024

His Numen Fume Blanc is made from grapes grown on old Sauvignon Blanc vines and is fermented and stored on the lees in amphoras which contributes to the medium straw color. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 9 May 2024

Objects including drinking vessels, terra sigillata flasks, an amphora and a stone anchor from the Archaic period originating from Spain, Italy, Africa and Asia Minor were all found in the wreckage. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

Under glass beneath our feet were the foundations of a villa from the fourth century B.C. complete with floor mosaics and softly lit domestic water tanks and amphoras. —Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, adaptation (with gender and suffix change) of Greek amphoreús, by haplology from amphiphoreús, from amphi- amphi- + phoreús "bearer, carrier," from phor- (stem in nominal derivation of phérein "to carry") + -eus, instrument suffix — more at bear entry 2

Note: The form amphiphoreús occurs in Homeric epics, but most likely only for metrical reasons. According to P. Chantraine (Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque), Mycenaean documents have evidence for both amphiphoreús and amphoreús.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

amphora

noun

am·​pho·​ra ˈam(p)-fə-rə 

plural amphorae -fə-ˌrē 

-ˌrī

or amphoras

-rəz

: an ancient Greek jar or vase with two handles

also : such a jar or vase used elsewhere in the ancient world