Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

bone china

American  

noun

  1. a fine, naturally white china made with bone ash.


bone china British  

noun

  1. porcelain containing bone ash

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bone china

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The site produces high-end and bespoke designs, including handcrafted fine bone china pieces and Jasperware, a type of pottery developed in the 18th Century by founder Josiah Wedgwood.

From BBC Sep. 16, 2025

Lily Spicer, a spokeswoman for the trust that manages the official royal gift shops, said commemorative bone china pieces have been among the most popular items.

From Washington Post May 31, 2022

After hearing Gifford’s plan for her teahouse, the woman asked Gifford to follow her home to take a look at a bone china tea set.

From Seattle Times Apr. 21, 2022

Mom will think of you every time she sips from this fine bone china astrological tea cup from Spitfire Girl.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 13, 2022

Stunned, the two white women cowered in their seats as Ann’s anger rained down, their bone china teacups rattling in their saucers.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training