What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pottery
Example
She learned pottery in college and now makes beautiful vases. [pottery: noun]
Example
The potter used a wheel to shape the clay into a bowl. [potter: noun]
stoneware
Example
The restaurant used stoneware plates for their dishes because they are more durable. [stoneware: noun]
Example
She bought a set of stoneware mugs for her coffee. [stoneware: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pottery is a more commonly used term than stoneware in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of clay-based crafts. Stoneware is a more specialized term that is commonly used in the context of functional kitchenware.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pottery and stoneware?
Both pottery and stoneware can be used in formal and informal contexts, but stoneware may be considered more formal due to its association with high-quality kitchenware and its higher cost.
