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DictionaryamphoraAncient storage jar
noun

amphora

AM-fer-uh/ˈæmfərə/

An ancient jar with two handles and a narrow neck.

The terracotta amphora has a narrow neck and two curved handles.

A single ancient terracotta amphora, shown upright in a clear three-quarter view, with a narrow neck, open mouth, rounded elongated body, and two opposing loop handles connecting the neck to the shoulders.
Etymology
amGreekon both sides
+phoraGreekbearer

“On both sides” and “bearer” point to the jar’s two handles, one on either side. Its name describes how it could be carried rather than what it contained.

In context

National Geographic29:49
There is a huge amphora. One, amphora, two amphora, three, four, five. This gives you an example of what's coming out of the sand, what's eroding out of the sand.
Legend of Atlantis (Full Episode) | Drain the Oceans

More examples

  • Ancient merchants shipped olive oil in amphorae.
  • The museum displays a painted amphora beside other Greek pottery.
  • Divers discover several amphoras in an ancient shipwreck.

Forms

amphora · amphorae · amphoras

Similar words

jar
A broader term that does not require two handles.
vessel
Covers containers of many shapes, materials, and historical periods.