Is ceramics singular or plural?

It is usually plural in form, but it often acts like a singular field or material name.

What is the difference between ceramics and pottery?

Pottery is a type of ceramics. Ceramics is the wider word.

Is ceramics used in academic writing?

Yes. It is common in art, archaeology, and material science writing.

Can ceramics mean plates and cups?

Yes, if they are made from fired clay or similar material.

← Dictionary

ceramics

/səˈræm.ɪks/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Ceramics are objects made from clay and hardened by heat, such as pots, tiles, and plates. It also means the art or study of making these objects.

She collects blue-and-white ceramics.
The museum has ancient ceramics on display.
He studies ceramics at art school.

Adinary Nuance

Ceramics is broader than pottery. Pottery usually means clay objects like pots and bowls, while ceramics can include tiles, bricks, and artistic pieces too. In academic or museum writing, ceramics sounds a little more formal and wider in scope than pottery.

In other languages

Vietnamese: gốm sứ
Spanish: cerámica
Chinese: 陶瓷
Japanese: 陶磁器
Korean: 도자기

Etymology

Ceramics comes from Greek keramikos, meaning “of pottery” or “made of clay.” It entered English through Latin and French, and has been used since the 1600s.

Common phrases

ceramics classceramics studioceramics artceramics collection

Synonyms

pottery earthenware china

Related words

clay kiln glaze porcelain

Frequently asked questions

Is ceramics singular or plural?: It is usually plural in form, but it often acts like a singular field or material name.
What is the difference between ceramics and pottery?: Pottery is a type of ceramics. Ceramics is the wider word.
Is ceramics used in academic writing?: Yes. It is common in art, archaeology, and material science writing.
Can ceramics mean plates and cups?: Yes, if they are made from fired clay or similar material.