teapot

American  

[tee-pot] / ˈtiˌpɒt /

noun

1. a container with a lid, spout, and handle, in which tea is made and from which it is poured.

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teapot British  

/ ˈtiːˌpɒt /

noun

1. a container with a lid, spout, and handle, in which tea is made and from which it is served

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teapot Idioms  

1. see tempest in a teapot.

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Etymology

Origin of teapot

First recorded in 1610–20; tea + pot ¹

Explanation

When you were little, you might have learned a ditty about a teapot: "I'm a little teapot, short and stout / Here is my handle, here is my spout..." As its name suggests, a teapot is a vessel in which you brew tea. "Tip me over and pour me out!" To make tea, put loose tea or tea bags in a teapot and fill it with very hot water. After the tea steeps, you can pour it into cups. The very first teapots were made in China, and historians believe that tea was drunk directly from the spout, rather than being poured into a cup for drinking. These earliest teapots were made of metal. In the 17th century, porcelain teapots became more common.

Example Sentences

Chinese teapot refineries have been buying Iranian crude for about $60 a barrel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

China’s small teapot refiners, which the fleet supplies, have less exposure to sanctions and their thirst for discounted crude makes Iranian barrels attractive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

China’s so-called teapot refiners—privately owned companies—are less exposed to the U.S. financial system and the reach of Group of Seven watchdogs, so they can be expected to snap up the discounted volumes once again.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

"Its lack of powers to enforce the rules it oversaw meant Acoba was about as useful as a chocolate teapot," a spokesperson said.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

“I have this,” said the innkeep, holding the metal tea tray with the teapot full of tea.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri