beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

1

: a large drinking cup that has a wide mouth and is sometimes supported on a standard

2

: a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories

Examples of beaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His team’s experimental setup was simple: in a beaker of water, the researchers introduced bubbles composed of methane and air. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2025

Invisible pollutants unleashed To simulate real-world conditions, the researchers placed unused masks in beakers of ultra-pure water and left them at room temperature for 24 hours. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

Drink options include the Green Dread – a bright green gin concoction served from a beaker – and the Bloodsucker, a rum and blackberry liqueur drink served with a dollop of dark red jello meant to look like a glob of blood. —Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

On the plate were a couple of horned beakers of water and small pieces of bread. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English biker, borrowed from Old Norse bikarr, probably borrowed from a continental Germanic form akin to Old Saxon bikeri, borrowed from early Medieval Latin bicarium, variant of bacarium — more at basin

Note: As noted by the Middle English Dictionary, the modern English form probably reflects influence of Middle Dutch beker.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for beaker

• meeker
• seeker
• sneaker
• speaker
• weaker
• loudspeaker

Kids Definition

beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

: a deep cup or glass with a wide mouth and usually a lip for pouring

Medical Definition

beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

: a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories