Pronunciation

/pəʊt/

Definitions

Noun

1. A container with a wide mouth and a fixed handle, typically used for holding or cooking food: I bought a new pot to cook soup in.
2. A container with a lid, often made of metal or ceramic, for storing food or liquids: Keep the milk in the cold storage pot.
3. A person’s skill or ability in a particular area: She has a real pot for gardening.
4. In British English, a term for a kettle: The pot was boiling when I got home.

Verb

1. To cook food in a pot: We boiled vegetables in a large pot on the stove.
2. To place something in a pot for storage or display: He potted his collection of seashells in decorative pots.
3. (informal) To bet or gamble: I’m going to pot a few dollars on the football game.

Adjective

1. Designating a container with a wide opening: A saucepan is a type of pot.
2. Having a large quantity or amount: She won a pot of money in the lottery.
3. (UK) Referring to a kettle: That’s a nice-looking pot kettle you have.

Phrases

• “Cooking pot” for a pot used for preparing meals.
• “Potluck dinner” where each guest brings a dish to share.
• “In a pot” or “On the boil” when something is happening or developing rapidly.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She placed the soup pot on the stove to simmer.”
• Verb: “The gardener potted the seedlings into small pots to grow them.”
• Adjective: “The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow symbolizes success.”

Synonyms

• Pan
• Cauldron
• Container
• Pottery
• Jug
• Kettle (UK)
• Container (for storage)
• Potency (as in skill or ability)