What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cellar
Example
The cellar of the old house was filled with dusty boxes and barrels. [cellar: noun]
Example
She went down to the cellar to fetch a bottle of wine for dinner. [cellar: noun]
vault
Example
The bank's vault is heavily guarded and contains millions of dollars. [vault: noun]
Example
The cathedral had a beautiful vaulted ceiling with intricate designs. [vaulted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cellar is more commonly used than vault in everyday language, as it is a term that is applicable to various contexts and settings. Vault, on the other hand, is more specific and often used in formal or specialized contexts such as banking or museums.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cellar and vault?
While cellar is generally considered informal and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, vault is more formal and is typically used in professional or technical settings.