pitcher-shaped
|pitch-er-shaped|
🇺🇸
/ˈpɪtʃərˌʃeɪpt/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɪtʃə(r)ˌʃeɪpt/
shaped like a pitcher
Etymology
'pitcher-shaped' is formed in English from the noun 'pitcher' and the suffix-forming element '-shaped'; 'pitcher' originally referred to a vessel for pouring.
'pitcher' comes from Middle English 'picher' meaning a pouring-vessel; 'shape' comes from Old English 'sceap'/'gesceap' meaning 'form', and the compound pattern noun + '-shaped' developed in Modern English to create descriptive adjectives like 'pitcher-shaped'.
Individually, 'pitcher' initially meant 'a vessel for pouring' and '-shaped' meant 'having the form of'; combined as 'pitcher-shaped' the meaning has remained descriptive: 'having the form of a pitcher.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having the shape of a pitcher; resembling a pitcher or a vase-like/urn-like form (e.g., a tubular, bulbous container often with a narrowing neck or opening). Often used to describe plant leaves or traps shaped like a pitcher.
The carnivorous plant has pitcher-shaped leaves that trap insects.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/18 14:40