What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
basement
Example
I keep my old clothes in the basement. [basement: noun]
Example
The basement of the library is where they store all the books. [basement: noun]
cellar
Example
The winery has a cellar where they store their finest wines. [cellar: noun]
Example
We keep our potatoes and onions in the cellar to keep them fresh. [cellar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Basement is a more commonly used term in everyday language, as it is a versatile space found in many houses and buildings. Cellar is less commonly used and is often associated with specific uses like wine storage or food preservation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between basement and cellar?
Both basement and cellar can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cellar may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with traditional practices like wine storage.
