potter
Potter (noun) means a person who makes pots and other objects out of clay. Example: “The potter shaped the clay on the wheel with practiced hands.”
How to use potter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who makes clay pots, or (as a verb, mainly British) to pass time doing small unhurried tasks.
The verb sense ('potter about') is mainly British; Americans would more often say 'putter around.'
Word forms
pottered past tense, potters plural, Potters plural, potters singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ shaped the clay on the wheel with practiced hands.
Etymology
From Old English pottere, meaning pot-maker, formed from pot plus the agent suffix -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for potter
See all rhymes for potter →Frequently asked questions
What does “potter” mean?
The word “potter” means a person who makes pots and other objects out of clay. In plain terms, someone who makes clay pots, or (as a verb, mainly British) to pass time doing small unhurried tasks.
How do you pronounce “potter”?
“Potter” is pronounced PO-tuh (/ˈpɑtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “potter” in a sentence?
Here is “potter” used in a sentence: “The potter shaped the clay on the wheel with practiced hands.”
What part of speech is “potter”?
Depending on how it is used, “potter” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “potter” come from?
The word “potter” comes from Old English. From Old English pottere, meaning pot-maker, formed from pot plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “potter” a common word?
“Potter” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “potter” have?
“Potter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who makes pots and other objects out of clay.
What is the difference between "potter" and "putter"?
"Potter" is the British spelling of the verb meaning to move about doing small, unhurried tasks ("potter around the garden"), while American English uses "putter" for the same idea. As a noun, "potter" also means a person who makes clay pots, a meaning "putter" does not share.
Is a "potter" the same as a "ceramicist"?
They overlap but are not identical. A potter specifically makes pots and vessels from clay, often on a wheel, while a ceramicist is a broader term for anyone who makes objects — including sculpture and tiles — from fired clay.