Basket vs. Hamper — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
A basket is a container often made of woven materials for carrying items; a hamper specifically refers to large baskets, typically used for storing laundry or transporting food.
Difference Between Basket and Hamper
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Baskets are versatile containers made from materials like wicker, bamboo, or plastic, designed for carrying and storing a variety of items. Hampers, on the other hand, are a type of basket but are specifically larger and often used for collecting laundry or holding picnic foods.
While baskets come in various sizes and shapes, fitting a range of purposes from decorative to practical, hampers are generally uniform in their use—primarily for storing clothes or, in picnic scenarios, for transporting meals.
Baskets may be open-topped or have handles for easy carrying and are used in a myriad of settings, from kitchens to gardens. Hampers, however, usually come with lids or are larger, designed to conceal their contents, whether dirty laundry or food items.
The design and aesthetics of baskets can vary significantly, often featuring intricate patterns or a variety of colors, making them part of home decor. In contrast, hampers are typically designed for functionality rather than decoration, prioritizing durability and capacity.
In some contexts, "hamper" can also refer to a gift basket filled with assorted items like food or wine, intended for special occasions. This specific use distinguishes it from more commonly utilitarian baskets.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Woven materials like wicker, bamboo
Often wicker, can include sturdier materials
Size
Varies widely, from small to large
Typically large
Common Uses
General carrying, storage, decoration
Laundry, storing and transporting food
Design Features
Can be open or have handles
Often has lids, designed to conceal contents
Decorative Value
Often decorative, diverse designs
Functional, less emphasis on aesthetics
Compare with Definitions
Basket
A term used in various sports to refer to the goal or scoring area.
She scored by throwing the ball into the basket.
Hamper
A term implying hindrance or restraint (verb form).
His progress was hampered by a lack of funds.
Basket
A receptacle that is generally lightweight and often handles for convenience.
He carried his tools in a sturdy wire basket.
Hamper
A reference to a collection of larger, stored items.
The warehouse was essentially a hamper for unsold goods.
Basket
An item used for decoration as well as functionality.
The colorful baskets were hung on the walls as part of the room’s decor.
Hamper
A large basket with a lid used for laundry.
She sorted the clothes into a wicker hamper before washing them.
Basket
A measure or quantity contained in a basket.
They bought a basket of cherries to make pies.
Hamper
A basket used to transport food, especially for picnics.
They packed a hamper with sandwiches and drinks for the concert.
Basket
A container made of interwoven material such as straw or wire.
She filled the wicker basket with fresh fruit from the market.
Hamper
Often used as a gift container, filled with assorted items.
They sent a festive hamper filled with cheese and wine for Christmas.
Basket
A basket is a container that is traditionally constructed from stiff fibers and can be made from a range of materials, including wood splints, runners, and cane. While most baskets are made from plant materials, other materials such as horsehair, baleen, or metal wire can be used.
Hamper
A hamper refers to one of several related basket-like items. In primarily British usage, it refers to a wicker basket, usually large, that is used for the transport of items, often food.
Basket
A container used to hold or carry things, typically made from interwoven strips of cane or wire
A shopping basket
She dropped the letter into the waste-paper basket
A laundry basket
Hamper
To prevent the free movement, action, or progress of
Fog hampered the rescue effort.
Basket
A net fixed on a hoop used as the goal.
Hamper
A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing and carrying of articles or small animals
A hamper of wine
A clothes hamper
An oyster hamper, which contains two bushels
Basket
Euphemism for bastard (sense 1 of the noun)
You silly basket
Hamper
A wicker or plastic basket specifically for holding laundry (from clothes hamper), as opposed to a covered wicker basket which is a true hamper
Basket
A container made of interwoven material, such as rushes or twigs.
Hamper
(UK) A gift basket.
Basket
The amount that a basket can hold.
Hamper
A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes.
Basket
An item resembling such a container in shape or function.
Hamper
(nautical) Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times.
Basket
A usually open gondola suspended from a hot-air balloon.
Hamper
(transitive) To put into a hamper.
Competition pigeons are hampered for the truck trip to the point of release where the race back starts.
Basket
A group of related things, such as financial securities or products in a specific market.
Hamper
(transitive) To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle
Basket
Either of the two goals normally elevated ten feet above the floor, consisting of a metal hoop from which an open-bottomed circular net is suspended.
Hamper
To impede in motion or progress.
Basket
A field goal.
Hamper
A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing and carrying of articles; as, a hamper of wine; a clothes hamper; an oyster hamper, which contains two bushels.
Basket
(Sports) A usually circular or star-shaped structure at the base of a ski pole, used to prevent the pole from sinking too deeply into the snow.
Hamper
A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes.
Basket
A lightweight container, generally round, open at the top, and tapering toward the bottom.
A basket of fake fruit adorned the table.
Hamper
Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times.
Basket
(by extension) A bed for a cat.
Hamper
To put in a hamper.
Basket
A wire or plastic container similar in shape to a basket, used for carrying articles for purchase in a shop.
Hamper
To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle; to insnare; to inveigle; to entangle; hence, to impede in motion or progress; to embarrass; to encumber.
A lion hampered in a net.
They hamper and entangle our souls.
Basket
(internet) In an online shop, a listing of a customer's chosen items before they are ordered.
Hamper
A restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
Basket
(figurative) A set or collection of intangible things.
Hamper
A basket usually with a cover
Basket
(basketball) A circular hoop, from which a net is suspended, which is the goal through which the players try to throw the ball.
The point guard drove toward the basket.
Hamper
Prevent the progress or free movement of;
He was hampered in his efforts by the bad weather
The imperilist nation wanted to strangle the free trade between the two small countries
Basket
(basketball) The act of putting the ball through the basket, thereby scoring points.
The last-second basket sealed the victory.
Hamper
Put at a disadvantage;
The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements
Basket
(uncountable) The game of basketball.
Let's play some basket.
Basket
A dance movement in some line dances, where men put their arms round the women's lower backs, and the women put their arms over the men's shoulders, and the group (usually of four, any more is difficult) spins round, which should result in the women's feet leaving the ground.
Basket
The male genitalia and region surrounding it.
Basket
(slang) The bulge of the male genitals seen through clothing.
Basket
(obsolete) In a stage-coach, two outside seats facing each other.
Basket
(archaic) A protection for the hand on a sword or a singlestick; a guard of a bladed weapon.
Basket
A singlestick with a basket hilt.
Basket
(ballooning) The gondola or wicker basket suspended from the balloon, in which the pilot and passengers travel.
Basket
(architecture) The bell or vase of the Corinthian capital.
Basket
Bastard.
Wait till I catch you, you little basket!
Basket
A drogue (or para-drogue) in the probe-and-drogue refueling method
Don't smoosh the basket.
Basket
(transitive) To place in a basket or baskets.
Basket
To cross-collateralize the royalty advances for multiple works so that the creator is not paid until all of those works have achieved a certain level of success.
Basket
A vessel made of osiers or other twigs, cane, rushes, splints, or other flexible material, interwoven.
Basket
The contents of a basket; as much as a basket contains; as, a basket of peaches.
Basket
The bell or vase of the Corinthian capital.
Basket
The two back seats facing one another on the outside of a stagecoach.
Basket
A container shaped like a basket{1}, even if made of solid material rather than woven; - the top is often, but not always, open and without a lid.
Basket
A vessel suspended below a balloon, designed to carry people or measuring instruments for scientific research.
Basket
A goal{3} consisting of a short cylindrical net suspended from a circular rim, which itself is attached at about ten feet above floor level to a backboard, placed at the end of a basketball court. In professional basketball, two such baskets are used, one at each end of the court, and each team may score only by passing the ball though its own basket. In informal games, only one such basket is often used.
Basket
An instance of scoring points by throwing the basketball through the basket; as, he threw four baskets in the first quarter; - the ball must pass through the basket from above in order to score points.
Basket
To put into a basket.
Basket
A container that is usually woven and has handles
Basket
The quantity contained in a basket
Basket
Horizontal hoop with a net through which players try to throw the basketball
Basket
A score in basketball made by throwing the ball through the hoop
Common Curiosities
How do hampers differ from baskets in design?
Hampers often have lids and are larger, designed specifically to store laundry or food securely.
Are baskets decorative?
Yes, baskets are often decorative and come in various designs, adding aesthetic value to their practical use.
Is a basket suitable for storing laundry?
While a basket can be used for laundry, hampers are more appropriate due to their size and features like lids.
Can both baskets and hampers be made of wicker?
Yes, both can be made of wicker, but hampers might use sturdier materials due to their larger size and functional demands.
What materials are baskets typically made from?
Baskets are typically made from materials like bamboo, wicker, or plastic.
What makes a hamper suitable for picnics?
Hampers are suitable for picnics because they are large enough to hold food and drinks for several people and are portable.
What is the primary use of a basket?
Baskets are primarily used for carrying and storing a variety of items, including groceries, crafts, or garden produce.
Can hampers be gifted?
Yes, hampers are popular gifts, especially when filled with gourmet foods, wines, or specialty items.
How does the functionality of baskets and hampers differ?
Baskets are multi-functional and used in various settings, while hampers are specialized, mainly for laundry or picnics.
Can hampers be part of home decor?
While generally functional, some hampers are designed stylishly enough to complement home decor.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
