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

Orkney’s prominence in that circuit is evident in the vogue for Grooved Ware, a style of pottery that originated there and then spread across Britain and Ireland. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

Sifnos, known for its historic pottery traditions, beautiful beaches, and local dining experiences, is perfect for a Greek island vacation where time slows down. —Petros Zissimos, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2025

Among the artifacts spotted by deep-sea cameras so far are an anchor and cargo such as jugs and glass bottles, cast iron cannons, porcelain pieces, pottery and objects apparently made of gold. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Experts also found grinding stones and pottery at the site — along with small cattle bones. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Nov. 2025

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