rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycruetSmall liquid container
noun

cruet

KROO-it/ˈkruːɪt/

A small container for holding or serving liquids, especially oil or vinegar.

The glass cruet holds golden olive oil beside a plate of bread.

A small elegant clear glass cruet with narrow pouring spout and glass stopper containing golden olive oil sits on a dining table beside a plain bread plate; a second smaller glass cruet of dark vinegar behind it.
Etymology
cruOld Frenchearthen pot
+etAnglo-Frenchsmall

Cruet probably combines a word for an earthen pot with a diminutive ending: a “little pot.” The name came to designate a small bottle for liquids such as oil or vinegar.

In context

Storytime Haven190:38
placed a small cruet, with knife, fork, and bread before him.
The Czar's Spy: The Mystery of a Silent Love 🕵️‍♂️💘 | William Le Queux Classic Spy Thriller

More examples

  • Two cruets hold oil and vinegar on the table.
  • Please refill the empty cruet with vinegar.
  • The cruet's narrow spout makes it easy to pour just a little.

Forms

cruet · cruets

Similar words

bottle
A general liquid container, not specifically for table condiments.
carafe
A larger serving container, usually for water or wine.