pottery

noun

pot·​tery ˈpä-tə-rē 

plural potteries

1

: a place where clayware is made and fired

2

a

: the art or craft of the potter

b

: the manufacture of clayware

3

: clayware

especially : earthenware as distinguished from porcelain and stoneware and from brick and tile

Synonyms of pottery

• ceramics

Examples of pottery in a Sentence

He has collected pottery for years.

She was a painter for years before she discovered pottery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Today the cultural center has artifacts such as pottery and baskets on display, photographs and a library. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Shoppers enjoyed Russell paintings, Remington sculptures, and Native pottery, baskets and beadwork while browsing for slacks and dresses. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Staggered shelves, arranged just-so with short lamps and pottery and plants, nearly rise to the tall ceiling behind the six-seat bar. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Take a tap dance class or a pottery course; join a book club. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pottery

• cautery
• lottery
• watery

Kids Definition

pottery

noun

pot·​tery ˈpät-ə-rē 

plural potteries

1

: a place where clay articles (as pots and vases) are made

2

: the art of the potter : ceramics

3

: articles made from clay that is shaped while moist and hardened by heat