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

Although hairless dogs are widely represented in ancient Andean coastal pottery and were declared a national symbol in 2000, these are the only physical remains of this breed known to exist, according to a press release from Dartmouth, one of the research institutions involved in the study. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026

While the purpose of the original building is uncertain, animal bones and pottery excavated at the Durrington Walls suggest it was used for large celebrations or feasts. —Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026

But no homes are so possessed with pottery of the truly enormous variety as Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus, whose Portuguese farmhouse appears on the cover of our June issue. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 May 2026

Whether searching for country primitive antiques, Gilded Age postcards, pottery, glassware, or military memorabilia, the shop owners in this spirited downtown have a reputation for impeccable service and working together to assist shoppers. —Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pottery

• cautery
• lottery
• watery
• electrocautery

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