amphora

noun

am·​pho·​ra ˈam(p)-fə-rə How to pronounce amphora (audio)
plural amphorae ˈam(p)-fə-ˌrē How to pronounce amphora (audio)
-ˌrī
or amphoras
1
: an ancient Greek jar or vase with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck, and two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth
broadly : such a jar or vase used elsewhere in the ancient world
2
: a 2-handled vessel shaped like an amphora

Illustration of amphora

Illustration of amphora
  • amphora 1

Examples of amphora in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Look out for beauties like a glazed ceramic table lamp that takes the form of an ancient amphora and vintage finds such as Pierre Chapo’s modular T22 table. Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024 In oak barrels, concrete tanks, or amphora, the wine is aged for up to several years to develop a creamy, buttery texture almost unparalleled by any other white wine. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024 Gaga wore a blue minidress tailored by Ashley Eva Brock, featuring an amphora line and leaf embroidery. Renan Botelho, WWD, 16 Aug. 2024 An amphora is a type of container vessel with a pointed bottom and characteristic form that dates back to prehistoric times. David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for amphora 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, adaptation (with gender and suffix change) of Greek amphoreús, by haplology from amphiphoreús, from amphi- amphi- + phoreús "bearer, carrier," from phor- (stem in nominal derivation of phérein "to carry") + -eus, instrument suffix — more at bear entry 2

Note: The form amphiphoreús occurs in Homeric epics, but most likely only for metrical reasons. According to P. Chantraine (Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque), Mycenaean documents have evidence for both amphiphoreús and amphoreús.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near amphora

Cite this Entry

“Amphora.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphora. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

amphora

noun
am·​pho·​ra ˈam(p)-fə-rə How to pronounce amphora (audio)
plural amphorae -fə-ˌrē How to pronounce amphora (audio)
-ˌrī
or amphoras
-rəz
: an ancient Greek jar or vase with two handles
also : such a jar or vase used elsewhere in the ancient world

More from Merriam-Webster on amphora

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