: a vase-shaped pitcher or jug

Illustration of ewer

Illustration of ewer

Examples of ewer in a Sentence

a silver ewer in an elaborately ornamented style
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.
Paintings of elaborate feasts hang alongside beautiful and unique dishes, ewers and platters, and glimpses of recipes through historical cookbooks. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 29 Sep. 2024 Among these are an Indo-Portuguese brass and mother-of-pearl ewer from the early 17th century, and Carolina’s favorite: a portrait of Doña Isidora Navarro, a daughter of a large, upper-class Spanish family. Caitie Kelly Kin Woo Kate Guadagnino Nicole Demarco Megan O’Sullivan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ewer, ewier, from Latin aquarium water source, neuter of aquarius of water, from aqua water — more at island

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ewer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ewer. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ewer

noun
: a vase-shaped pitcher or jug

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