ceramic

1 of 2

adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈra-mik How to pronounce ceramic (audio)
 especially British  kə-
: of or relating to the manufacture of any product (such as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (such as clay) by firing at a high temperature
also : of or relating to such a product

ceramic

2 of 2

noun

1
ceramics plural in form but singular in construction : the art or process of making ceramic articles
2
: a product of ceramic manufacture

Examples of ceramic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The first round of packing will consist of 23,000 glass and ceramic items from MPM's History collections, including items like vases, teapots, sugar dishes, creamers, teacups, saucers, plates, platters, serving dishes, salt cellars, and figurines, the museum said in a news release. Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2024 The titanium and ceramic barrel have negative ions that help smooth your hair while styling it. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 The setup had the unusual step of cleaning and air drying the ceramic ball filter, which can take up to six hours. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2024 They were buried with jewelry, coins, ceramic and glass vessels and other artifacts that date to the early third century. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024 Just fill the ceramic bowl with water; the stone top will cover the rest. Katiee McKinstry, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 Clase Azul is known for releasing high-end tequila that comes in handmade ceramic decanters, but over the past few years the brand has put out a few mezcals as well. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 This ceramic bowl, collected in Arizona, was purchased from a British collector and trader named Thomas V. Keam, who supplied Native objects from the Southwest to some of the country’s leading museums. Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2024 This 12-piece ceramic set is perfect for four and can be thrown in the dishwasher for an easy clean or popped in the microwave to reheat food. Katiee McKinstry, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024
Noun
Learn ceramics and macramé, sculpture, architecture, and even alchemic dining. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 Pottery Was Important to Ancient Trade Routes Pottery and ceramics were also essential to ancient trade routes. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Will Houseplant’s ceramics and music also extend to the coffee world? Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2024 The Denver Art Museum this month removed a case of Native American ceramics from public view in response to new federal regulations governing the exhibition of sacred Indigenous objects. Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2024 At the Taiwanese market Yun Hai, which opened its Brooklyn brick-and-mortar in 2022, Tatung rice cookers and Kuai Kuai corn crisps sit alongside artisanal seasonings, condiments, and ceramics sourced directly from brewers, farmers, and craftspeople in Taiwan. Megan Zhang, Saveur, 31 Jan. 2024 The course will explore the properties and uses of materials including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and biomaterials. The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Flagstone floors flow into snug maroon-walled lounges with marble ceramics, rattan stools, and open log fires guarded by leather benches and mustard sofa chairs. Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 But there are heaps of shops in the village lanes selling textiles, cushions, ceramics and spices. Rachel Howard, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ceramic.' 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

Adjective

Greek keramikos, from keramos potter's clay, pottery

First Known Use

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceramic was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near ceramic

Cite this Entry

“Ceramic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ceramic

1 of 2 adjective
ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈram-ik How to pronounce ceramic (audio)
: of or relating to the manufacture of a product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made from a nonmetallic mineral by heating at high temperatures

ceramic

2 of 2 noun
1
plural : the art of making ceramic articles
2
: a product of ceramic manufacture

More from Merriam-Webster on ceramic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!