ceramic

1 of 2

adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈra-mik 

 especially British  kə-

: of or relating to the manufacture of any product (such as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (such as clay) by firing at a high temperature

also : of or relating to such a product

ceramic

2 of 2

noun

1

ceramics sə-ˈra-miks 

 especially British  kə-

plural in form but singular in construction : the art or process of making ceramic articles

2

: a product of ceramic manufacture

Examples of ceramic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The glass has a ceramic guard layer over the screen that resists fractures. —Scott Kramer, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Allied Maker sconces illuminate Anne Black ceramic knobs that contrast the lighter Clé tiles. —David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025

Noun

Small-batch ceramics and upcycled quilted coats soared in popularity. —Hannah Yoon, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

They're made from a durable but ultra-thin ceramic. —Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek keramikos, from keramos potter's clay, pottery

First Known Use

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ceramic

1 of 2 adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈram-ik 

: of or relating to the manufacture of a product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made from a nonmetallic mineral by heating at high temperatures

ceramic

2 of 2 noun

1

plural : the art of making ceramic articles

2

: a product of ceramic manufacture