potter's wheel

American  

noun

1. a device with a rotating horizontal disk upon which clay is molded by a potter.

---

potter's wheel British  

noun

1. a device with a horizontal rotating disc, on which clay is shaped into pots, bowls, etc, by hand

---

Etymology

Origin of potter's wheel

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Often he would wake up to the rhythmic sound of his father at work at his potter's wheel.

From BBC • May 26, 2025

“Many people fall in love with clay when they take their first class,” Chernoff says as she sits at the potter’s wheel in her Pasadena studio.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2023

Subtle rings from a potter’s wheel made when a piece is thrown, traces from fingertips pinching and sealing the clay together, brush strokes of glaze applied.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2022

It’s not clear who trained him on the potter’s wheel.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2021

Under the deep eaves at the back, Min kept his potter’s wheel.

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park