ceramist

ceramist — noun

1. a person who makes useful or decorative objects from clay and hardens them with

1.nounC1
Definition

a person who makes useful or decorative objects from clay and hardens them with great heat

Example

At the fair, Lucía bought cups from a ceramist who used local clay.

pattern: buy + object from a ceramist

During the workshop, Meera watched a ceramist shape a tall vase.

pattern: watch a ceramist + bare infinitive

Common collocations
  • local ceramist
  • studio ceramist
  • learn from a ceramist
  • work as a ceramist
  • ceramist's studio
Synonyms
  • potter

    more common when the person mainly throws pots and bowls on a wheel

  • ceramic artist

    stresses the artistic side more than the craft or trade

  • sculptor

    broader; may work in stone, metal, or wood rather than clay

Grammar Patterns

buy + object from a ceramist

watch a ceramist + bare infinitive

work as / become a ceramist

Usage Note

Usually refers to someone whose regular work or art practice is making clay pieces, not to a person who decorates ready-made pottery once. It is broader than potter, which often suggests bowls and other wheel-thrown ware.

Common Mistakes

She is a ceramic.
She is a ceramist.
'ceramic' names the material or the object, while 'ceramist' names the person who makes it.
He works like ceramist in Tainan.
He works as a ceramist in Tainan.
use 'work as' before a job title.

Etymology

First known use

1855

1855, in the meaning defined above