potter's wheel

American  

noun

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

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potter's wheel British  

noun

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

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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

It’s a scene that perfectly captures the diversity of her roles, further emphasized by a small table opposite her potter’s wheel where her sons Kiran, 7, and Arjun, 11, often work alongside her.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2024

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

Beginning each piece on a potter’s wheel, Ohr produced thin-walled vessels that he then subjected to all kinds of manipulations.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2015

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

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park