porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən How to pronounce porcelain (audio)
Synonyms of porcelainnext
1
: a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and a feldspathic rock and is fired at a high temperature

called also hard-paste porcelain, true porcelain

2
: soft-paste porcelain
porcelainlike
ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən-ˌlīk How to pronounce porcelain (audio)
adjective
porcelaneous adjective
or porcellaneous
ˌpȯr-sə-ˈlā-nē-əs How to pronounce porcelain (audio)

Examples of porcelain in a Sentence

The bowl is made of porcelain.
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.
Instead of the ornate porcelain and cloisonné enameling often associated with imperial vases, this one is made of blown glass. — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 Below, some of the fine porcelain brands that are bringing the high-gloss finish back into rotation. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026 The kitchen features porcelain counters with a matching backsplash, a waterfall island, Thermador appliances and connects to a large family room before extending to a private deck. — Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Yet despite this unease, they are also shown with occasional silliness and wit, as well as an unexpected strength to their paradoxically porcelain-like bodies. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for porcelain

Word History

Etymology

Middle French porcelaine cowrie shell, porcelain, from Italian porcellana, from porcello vulva, literally, little pig, from Latin porcellus, diminutive of porcus pig, vulva; from the shape of the shell — more at farrow

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of porcelain was circa 1530

Phrases Containing porcelain

Browse Nearby Words

porcate
porcelain
porcelain ampelopsis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Porcelain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porcelain. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

porcelain

noun
por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən How to pronounce porcelain (audio)
ˈpȯr-
: a hard white ceramic ware used especially for dishes and chemical utensils

Medical Definition

porcelain

noun
por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən, ˈpȯr- How to pronounce porcelain (audio)
: a hard, fine-grained, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and that has many uses in dentistry
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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