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.

Octagono Blanco All wines from Octagono spend time buried in artisanal clay amphoras. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 June 2026 Long macerations are less common, and concrete and amphora are used more often to energise texture. — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Orlando said it was already known that wine was traded at the time by the Greeks and the Etruscans, because of wine jugs called amphora that lasted through the centuries. — CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 In the nearby museum were 13 little amphoras, used to measure out the precise dosage of hemlock solution to execute such prisoners. — Sarah Manguso, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 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 7 Jul. 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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