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
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.
In the following decades, the Tupperware line expanded to include canisters, beakers, cake dishes and all manner of implements, and became a staple in kitchens across America and eventually abroad. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024 Glassware seemingly straight from the mad scientist's lab—beakers, flasks, test tubes, and more—hold candy that guests can enjoy at their own risk, of course. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024 The restaurant pays homage to its roots with its decor and serveware, even serving some drinks in glass beakers. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2024 Sorce likens such algebras to a beaker with the water level representing the entropy. Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beaker 

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 22 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on beaker

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