beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

1

: a large drinking cup that has a wide mouth and is sometimes supported on a standard

2

: a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories

Examples of beaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The restaurant pays homage to its roots with its decor and serveware, even serving some drinks in glass beakers. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2024

Sorce likens such algebras to a beaker with the water level representing the entropy. —Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

Young dressed as a bubbling beaker in a neon green get-up adorned with plastic bubbles. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024

Purple candlesticks and beakers filled with bright candy add color and height to the bar cart decor. —Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English biker, borrowed from Old Norse bikarr, probably borrowed from a continental Germanic form akin to Old Saxon bikeri, borrowed from early Medieval Latin bicarium, variant of bacarium — more at basin

Note: As noted by the Middle English Dictionary, the modern English form probably reflects influence of Middle Dutch beker.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

: a deep cup or glass with a wide mouth and usually a lip for pouring

Medical Definition

beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

: a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories