ENGLISH
REFERENCE

planter

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpɫæntɝ// UK //plˈɑːntɐ// planter Archaic

n. a decorative container used for growing plants. You usually use these for flowers or small trees on a porch or inside your home.

n. a decorative container, often made of ceramic, wood, or plastic, designed for growing plants. In historical contexts, it may refer to a person who owns or manages a plantation.


SIMPLE

She bought a large ceramic planter for her new palm tree.

CONTEXTUAL

The hotel lobby is decorated with several large stone planters filled with tropical ferns and colorful flowers.

COMPLEX

While traditional terracotta remains popular, many modern gardeners prefer lightweight composite planters that provide better insulation for root systems during the colder winter months.

Origin

From plant + -er.

Usage

Commonly refers to the container in modern usage; the sense referring to a person is largely restricted to historical or agricultural texts.

© 2026 English Reference