vase

IPA/vɑːz/
KK[vˈes]IPA/veɪs/

vase — noun

  • vasesingular
  • vasesplural

1. an attractive container, taller than it is wide, that people put fresh flowers i

1.nounB1
Definition

an attractive container, taller than it is wide, that people put fresh flowers into for display at home

Example

Minho placed the blue ceramic vase on the dining table.

adjective + vase (ceramic, glass, crystal, metal)

My grandmother's crystal vase broke when it fell off the shelf.

Common collocations
  • glass vase
  • ceramic vase
  • crystal vase
  • flower vase
  • fill a vase
  • vase of flowers
  • arrange flowers in a vase
  • place something in a vase
Synonyms
  • urn

    usually larger, often with a lid or pedestal, used for display or holding ashes

  • vessel

    much more general; any hollow container, not limited to flowers

  • pitcher

    has a spout and handle for pouring liquids, not designed for displaying flowers

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words describe containers, but they differ in shape, purpose, and typical material. A vase is a tall, open container designed specifically for displaying cut flowers indoors — it usually has a narrow neck and a wide body. An urn is larger, often with a pedestal and a lid, used historically for storing ashes or as a garden ornament. A pitcher has a spout and a handle and is meant for pouring liquids like water or juice. Vessel is the broadest term — it covers any hollow container including bowls, cups, and pots. A jar is typically short and wide-mouthed, made of glass or ceramic, used for storing food (e.g., jam jars) rather than for decoration. In everyday speech, calling a vase a 'jar' would sound odd because jars are for storage, not display.

vase ↗urn ↗pitcher ↗vessel ↗jar ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • flower vase
  • vase stand
  • vase collection

Phrases

  • vase of flowers
  • a vase full of [something]
  • put flowers in a vase

Prepositions

  • in a vase
  • on a vase
  • out of a vase

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word vase entered English from French 'vase', which came from Latin 'vas' meaning a vessel or container. It has been used in English since the 1500s for decorative containers of various shapes.