earthenware

noun

earth·​en·​ware ˈər-thən-ˌwer 

-t͟hən-

: ceramic ware made of slightly porous opaque clay fired at low heat

Synonyms

• crockery
• pottery
• stoneware

Examples of earthenware in a Sentence

The dish is made of earthenware.

a wide array of hand-painted earthenware available at the craft fair

Recent Examples on the Web

The plates are made in Portugal and are constructed with long-lasting earthenware (a type of ceramic) that is both microwave and dishwasher safe for easy use and cleanup. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025

Grapes are fermented—often with skin, seeds, stems, and all—in large earthenware vessels, known as qvevri, that are buried underground. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025

Each earthenware vase has been made by hand using methods inspired by the traditional ornate tulipières that emerged in the Netherlands in the 18th century. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Made in Asheville, North Carolina, East Fork’s earthenware set has a down-to-earth vibe in refined silhouettes. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earthenware

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware
• legionnaire

Kids Definition

earthenware

noun

earth·​en·​ware -ˌwa(ə)r 

-ˌwe(ə)r

: articles (as dishes or ornaments) made of baked clay