ceramics
Americannoun
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(used with a singular verb) the art or technology of making objects of clay and similar materials treated by firing.
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(used with a plural verb) articles of earthenware, porcelain, etc.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of ceramics
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How does ceramics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
The branch of art known as ceramics is all about making pottery. A ceramics class might teach you to make a bowl from clay using a pottery wheel. In ceramics, artists pinch cups and figures from clay, and create bowls, plates, and pots by spinning and shaping the clay on a wheel. Most of these items — which can also be called ceramics — are glazed or painted, and baked in an extremely hot oven. The word ceramics comes from the Greek word keramos, "potter's clay," or "tiles."
Vocabulary lists containing ceramics
Visual Arts - Introductory
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Visual Arts - High School
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Visual Arts - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I am deeply committed to protecting and showcasing the craftsmanship and character that makes Burleigh unique, while helping to shape its future as a distinctive and meaningful British design and ceramics house," Bailey said.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
While there, players may enjoy a well-stocked library, relax in a bespoke ceramics studio, or choose to fill out an Ivy League application.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
The country is also home to niche suppliers of things like ceramics and other advanced materials.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
Gas is responsible for 90% of energy consumption in ceramics, the report added, meaning previously announced government support on electricity bills would only provide "minimal relief".
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Teeth replaced with ceramics as strong as a suborbital aircraft wing, and as white as the dorm’s good china?
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
