ceramic

1 of 2

adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈra-mik 

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 

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

Adjective

The stone holds heat uniformly, while handmade İznik ceramic tiles and indirect lighting soothe eyes worn by digital screens. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

These little ceramic match holders bring whimsy to any room of your house, and are an affordable add to a gift basket for a friend or new neighbor. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

Noun

Original artwork, mid-century ceramics and solid wood furniture are all categories where a second-hand store may offer pieces far below market price. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

The element plays an important role in superconductors, advanced alloys, ceramics, phosphors, and other high-performance technologies. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

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

Rhymes for ceramic

• dynamic
• thalamic
• aerodynamic
• geodynamic
• haemodynamic
• hemodynamic
• hydrodynamic
• hypothalamic
• photodynamic
• psychodynamic
• spinothalamic
• thermodynamic

Kids Definition

ceramic

1 of 2 adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈram-ik 

: 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