pithos

American  

[pith-os, pahy-thos] / ˈpɪθ ɒs, ˈpaɪ θɒs /

noun

plural

pithoi

1. a very large earthenware jar having a wide mouth, used by the ancient Greeks for storing liquids, as wine, or for holding food, as grain, or for the burial of the dead.

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pithos British  

/ ˈpaɪ-, ˈpɪθɒs /

noun

1. a large ceramic container for oil or grain

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Etymology

Origin of pithos

First recorded in 1875–80, pithos is from the Greek word píthos

Example Sentences

Destitute, he made his home in a pithos, or giant clay pot, using his cloak in place of a bed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Also recovered was a pithos, or storage jar, dating to 700 B.C., near the time of the founding of Rome.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2022

The pithos, or large vessel, is an Etruscan work from the seventh century B.C. recently recovered from the Getty Museum.

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2022

Bellelli said that for now the pithos would be given its own vitrine in the museum, alongside the Euphronius pieces.

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2022

“Do me a favor. Lock this in the hotel vault, will you? I think I’m allergic to pithos!’

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan