potter

1 of 2

noun

pot·​ter ˈpä-tər How to pronounce potter (audio)
: one that makes pottery

potter

2 of 2

verb

pottered; pottering; potters

intransitive verb

: putter
potterer
ˈpä-tər-ər How to pronounce potter (audio)
noun
potteringly
ˈpä-tə-riŋ-lē How to pronounce potter (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of potter

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Verb

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Examples of potter in a Sentence

Verb pottering around indoors on a rainy day
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.
Noun
Work on a potter’s wheel, hand build and glaze pieces created from scratch. — Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026 Ojai has long been home to Theosophists, avant-gardists, potters and naturalists joining other outsiders and mystics with a whim for wonder. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
Verb
These are the humdrum and human experiences of a man who spent his time simply pottering about. — Will Ainsley, SPIN, 24 May 2024 Lucia pottered about, switching on a lamp, putting things away into cupboards, stacking the mugs into a corner. — Ruby Opalka, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for potter

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably frequentative of English dialect pote to poke

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potter was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing potter

Rhymes for potter

See All Rhymes for potter

Browse Nearby Words

potteen
potter
Potter
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Cite this Entry

“Potter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

potter

1 of 2 noun
pot·​ter ˈpät-ər How to pronounce potter (audio)
: one that makes pottery

potter

2 of 2 verb
: putter entry 3
potterer noun

Biographical Definition

Potter 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Pot·​ter ˈpä-tər How to pronounce Potter (audio)
Beatrix 1866–1943 British writer and illustrator

Potter

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Paul or Paulus 1625–1654 Dutch painter

More from Merriam-Webster on potter

Nglish: Translation of potter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potter

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