Word
jug
US/ˈdʒəɡ/
UK/dʒˈʌɡ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a container with a handle and a small opening at the top, used for holding and pouring liquids.
n. a large container with a narrow neck, a handle, and often a spout, designed for storing and dispensing fluids.
Examples
“She filled the jug with fresh water from the tap.”
“The waiter placed a large glass jug of iced tea in the center of the table for the guests.”
“In traditional pottery, the artisan carefully shapes the clay into a jug, ensuring the handle is sturdy enough to support the weight of several liters of liquid.”
Examples
simple
“She filled the jug with fresh water from the tap.”
contextual
“The waiter placed a large glass jug of iced tea in the center of the table for the guests.”
complex
“In traditional pottery, the artisan carefully shapes the clay into a jug, ensuring the handle is sturdy enough to support the weight of several liters of liquid.”
Usage
Commonly used in British English where American English might prefer 'pitcher'.
Etymology
From Middle English jugge, of uncertain origin. Possibly a variant of Middle English jubbe, jobbe, iubbe, geobbe, itself of unknown origin; or perhaps continuing (in altered form) Old English ċēac (“pitcher; jug”). Compare also jug (“a low woman, maidservant”), from Jug, familiar form of Joanna. Prison sense attested from at least 1825 in Britain.
Blend of Jack Russell + pug.
Probably from Latin jugum (“yoke, tether”). A folk etymology claims that it is an acronym for "justice under God" or "judgment under God". https://www.ignatius.edu/news/september-2017/jug-em-with-a-jugumhttps://catholicphilly.com/2021/10/news/local-news/local-priest-moves-closer-to-sainthood/
Origin uncertain. Perhaps a shortening of juggernaut or an alteration of juke/jook. Compare juug.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. jug ears
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/jug