amphora

noun

am·​pho·​ra ˈam(p)-fə-rə 

plural amphorae ˈam(p)-fə-ˌrē 

-ˌrī

or amphoras

1

: 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

2

: a 2-handled vessel shaped like an amphora

Illustration of amphora

• amphora 1

Examples of amphora in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The monastery's mosaic floor features depictions of crosses, lions, doves, an amphora (a type of container vessel used in antiquity), flowers and geometric patterns. —Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

The Clairette, aged in barrel and amphora, gives a lift of freshness and brightness. —Erica Duecy, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Look out for beauties like a glazed ceramic table lamp that takes the form of an ancient amphora and vintage finds such as Pierre Chapo’s modular T22 table. —Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024

In oak barrels, concrete tanks, or amphora, the wine is aged for up to several years to develop a creamy, buttery texture almost unparalleled by any other white wine. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024

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

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