porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən 

1

: a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and a feldspathic rock and is fired at a high temperature

called also hard-paste porcelain, true porcelain

2

: soft-paste porcelain

porcelainlike

ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən-ˌlīk 

adjective

porcelaneous adjective

or porcellaneous

ˌpȯr-sə-ˈlā-nē-əs 

Examples of porcelain in a Sentence

The bowl is made of porcelain.

Recent Examples on the Web

In this space, a light color palette that reflects sea and sky is incorporated in the furniture, porcelain lamps, drapes, and area rug. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025

Other highlights include a living room sporting a wood-burning stove, a dining area that connects to a kitchen outfitted with open shelving and stainless appliances, and a bath equipped with a porcelain tub. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025

The space is also filled with works by Swedish artists such as Carin Ellberg and Olivia Pettersson and there is also an installation in porcelain by Valeria Nascimento. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025

For a bolder pop of color, go for a set of three glossy porcelain fish from Jonathan Adler. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French porcelaine cowrie shell, porcelain, from Italian porcellana, from porcello vulva, literally, little pig, from Latin porcellus, diminutive of porcus pig, vulva; from the shape of the shell — more at farrow

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing porcelain

• hard-paste porcelain
• porcelain enamel
• soft-paste porcelain
• true porcelain

Kids Definition

porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən 

ˈpȯr-

: a hard white ceramic ware used especially for dishes and chemical utensils

Medical Definition

porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən, ˈpȯr- 

: a hard, fine-grained, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and that has many uses in dentistry