potter's wheel

noun

: a usually horizontal disk revolving on a vertical spindle and carrying the clay being shaped by a potter

Illustration of potter's wheel

Illustration of potter's wheel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Then everyone works at his or her own potter's wheel, while the instructor moves around the room for individual, hands-on instruction. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 13 July 2022 Try the potter's wheel, make a clay boat, carve your name into a giant pot, or watch professional potters at work. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 19 June 2022 Each of the individual parts of her sculptures is formed on the potter's wheel of stoneware clay and then is altered and assembled. Courant Community, 26 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'potter's wheel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potter's wheel was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near potter's wheel

Cite this Entry

“Potter's wheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potter%27s%20wheel. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

potter's wheel

noun
: a horizontal disk revolving on a spindle and carrying the clay being shaped by a potter

More from Merriam-Webster on potter's wheel

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY