amphora

noun

am·pho·ra ˈam(p)-fə-rə

plural amphorae ˈam(p)-fə-ˌrē

-ˌrī

or amphoras

: 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

: a 2-handled vessel shaped like an amphora

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.

Resilient and water-resistant, it was used in the Roman times for cisterns, amphoras, aqueducts, as well as underlayers for fresco paintings. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 However, one amphora features a distinctive set of marks and two holes in its body, which suggest it could have been used to make cheese or butter. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Ersoy said one of the amphoras, or containers, recovered featured nine different markings and two holes in its body and may have been used to churn cheese or butter. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 One image shows an intact amphora nestled among thick seagrass on the seafloor — while another shows a police diver examining a large, heavily encrusted vessel. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

amphogenic

amphora

amphoriskos

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Amphora.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphora. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

amphora

noun

am·pho·ra ˈam(p)-fə-rə

plural amphorae -fə-ˌrē

-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

amphora

noun

Illustration of amphora

Examples of amphora in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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