beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər How to pronounce beaker (audio)
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 This heavy-duty, durable machine uses a glass cooking beaker to ensure that food always tastes fresh and that no odors or flavors will leach into your purees. Laura Denby, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 According to The Intelligencer, citing authorities, residue tested in a bowl and a beaker found in the lab on campus tested positive for chemicals used during the manufacturing of meth and/or byproducts of meth. Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 That could mean anything from beakers and funnels to materials for magic growing crystals and robotics. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 22 Nov. 2023 The colorful wheely case opens up to reveal test tubes, a beaker, safety goggles, a working scale, and other tools. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 22 Nov. 2023 Numerous studies have found that students—even those from non-Western cultures—view scientists as white, male, and wearing a white lab coat, while holding chemistry glassware such as beakers or flasks. Manasee Weerathunga, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2023 On Target View On Walmart There’s something so mesmerizing about combining colors and seeing mysterious liquids pour from a test tube into a beaker. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 29 Oct. 2023 The toy set also has 10 accessories, including a microscope, laptops, beakers, masks, and more. Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 5 Nov. 2023 The presentation is palpable, especially when the bar is serving drinks out of nostalgic science lab beakers. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 3 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beaker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of beaker was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near beaker

Cite this Entry

“Beaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beaker. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

beaker

noun
bea·​ker ˈbē-kər How to pronounce beaker (audio)
: a deep cup or glass with a wide mouth and usually a lip for pouring

Medical Definition

beaker

noun
bea·​ker ˈbē-kər How to pronounce beaker (audio)
: a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories

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