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

Glazed pottery, both food-safe and outdoor friendly, may be picked up in a few days after being fired in one of the shop’s two kilns. —Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026

This unique shop features incense, candles, crystals, essential oils, artisanal teas, and an eclectic selection of home decor and pottery. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026

That said, there are lots of fun activities on the property itself, including falconry, clay pigeon shooting, pottery classes, and horseback riding. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026

Chows are depicted on Chinese pottery dating to the Han dynasty; some lore maintains that this aloof, moody breed evolved in the shadow of the North Pole. —Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 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