ceramic

1 of 2

adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈra-mik How to pronounce ceramic (audio)
especially British kə-
: of or relating to the manufacture of any product (such as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (such as clay) by firing at a high temperature
also : of or relating to such a product

ceramic

2 of 2

noun

1
ceramics sə-ˈra-miks How to pronounce ceramic (audio)
especially British kə-
plural in form but singular in construction : the art or process of making ceramic articles
2
: a product of ceramic manufacture

Examples of ceramic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Why not cauterize a severed hand, add some just-for-fun cocktail rings, and then shatter the hand’s rigid bones with a hammer or mallet, which will allow the fingers to be wrapped around a colorful ceramic mug with a holly or mistletoe motif? Paul Rudnick, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025 Aging took place in a combination of large oak barrels, smaller tonneaux, and ceramic vats to balance purity, texture, and freshness. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
Noun
Wayfair Basics Ornament Storage Glass, ceramic, and other fragile ornaments need extra protection, and this compact organizer keeps them safe. Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025 Secondhand ceramics—including mugs, cups, gravy boats, creamers, and crocks—can be given new life as things like planters, cotton-ball bathroom storage, business card holders, pencil cups, or just a spot to drop your loose change. Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ceramic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek keramikos, from keramos potter's clay, pottery

First Known Use

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceramic was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Ceramic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramic. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

ceramic

1 of 2 adjective
ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈram-ik How to pronounce ceramic (audio)
: of or relating to the manufacture of a product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made from a nonmetallic mineral by heating at high temperatures

ceramic

2 of 2 noun
1
plural : the art of making ceramic articles
2
: a product of ceramic manufacture

More from Merriam-Webster on ceramic

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