DictionaryRoot: -er
English

-er

a person or thing that does something

Forms

  • -er
  • -r — Used after some bases ending in e.

Origin

Old English -ere, generally traced through Germanic to Latin -arius.

Note

It can name a tool as readily as a person. The comparison ending in taller has a different history.

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noun

potter

A person who makes objects from clay.

The potter shapes a lump of clay into a small bowl.

Etymology

The occupational ending identifies a maker of pots. The craft name extends beyond pots to other objects shaped and fired from clay.

More examples

  • Local potters sell handmade mugs at the market.
  • The potter fires her clay dishes in a kiln.
  • An experienced potter teaches us how to shape clay by hand.

Forms

potter · potters

pottery noun — Objects made from clay and fired.

Similar words

ceramicist
Emphasizes work in ceramics, including sculpture as well as pottery.