Ewer vs. Pitcher — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
An ewer is an ornamental jug used for pouring liquids during formal occasions, while a pitcher is a functional container for holding and pouring beverages.
Difference Between Ewer and Pitcher
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An ewer is traditionally a decorative jug, often found in historical and ceremonial contexts, used for washing hands or pouring water. Whereas, a pitcher is a practical vessel designed for everyday use, such as serving drinks at meals.
Ewers are usually made of more precious materials like porcelain or metal and feature intricate designs, emphasizing their decorative aspect. On the other hand, pitchers are commonly made from glass, ceramic, or plastic, focusing on durability and functionality.
The design of an ewer often includes a flared base, a handle, and a long spout, which is crafted to control the pouring of water gracefully. Conversely, pitchers have a wide opening and a handle to facilitate easy pouring and handling, suitable for frequent use.
Historically, ewers were part of the upper-class households' dining etiquette, used for personal washing at the table. In contrast, pitchers have been universally used for serving a variety of beverages, including water, juice, and beer, across all levels of society.
In modern settings, ewers may still be used as part of religious or formal ceremonies, symbolizing purity and service. Pitchers, on the other hand, remain essential household items for daily beverage serving.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An ornamental jug used for pouring liquids in a ceremonial way.
A container for holding and pouring beverages.
Material
Often porcelain, metal, decorated.
Glass, ceramic, plastic, more functional.
Design
Flared base, decorative, with a long spout.
Wide opening, practical, easy handling.
Usage Context
Historical, ceremonial.
Everyday use, serving drinks.
Cultural Significance
Symbolic in rituals and formal dining.
Ubiquitous in various cultures for practical beverage serving.
Compare with Definitions
Ewer
A decorative jug used in formal settings.
The silver ewer on the table was from the 18th century.
Pitcher
Variably sized for different needs.
The large pitcher was used to mix sangria for the party.
Ewer
A historic water container often found in museums.
The museum displayed a medieval ewer with intricate engravings.
Pitcher
A container used for storing and pouring drinks.
She filled the pitcher with lemonade for the guests.
Ewer
An ornamental pitcher used in religious ceremonies.
An ewer filled with holy water was placed beside the altar.
Pitcher
Common in household kitchens.
They kept a pitcher of water in the fridge during the summer.
Ewer
A vessel for pouring water in ceremonial washing.
The priest used an ewer to pour water over the hands of the celebrants.
Pitcher
Used in restaurants and at home.
The waiter brought a pitcher of water to the table.
Ewer
A symbol of hospitality and service in many cultures.
They presented the guest with an ewer and basin to wash his hands.
Pitcher
A practical vessel with a handle and spout.
The glass pitcher was perfect for serving iced tea.
Ewer
A pitcher, especially a decorative one with a base, an oval body, and a flaring spout.
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who pitches the baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the pitcher is assigned the number 1.
Ewer
A kind of widemouthed pitcher or jug with a shape like a vase and a handle.
Pitcher
One that pitches.
Ewer
A kind of wide-mouthed pitcher or jug; esp., one used to hold water for the toilet.
Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands.
Pitcher
(Baseball) The player who throws the ball from the mound to the batter.
Ewer
An open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
Pitcher
(Sports) A seven iron used in golf.
Pitcher
A container for liquids, usually having a handle and a lip or spout for pouring.
Pitcher
(Botany) A pitcherlike part, such as the leaf of a pitcher plant.
Pitcher
One who pitches anything, as hay, quoits, a ball, etc.
Pitcher
The player who delivers the ball to the batter.
Pitcher
(slang) A drug dealer.
Pitcher
One who puts counterfeit money into circulation.
Pitcher
(obsolete) A sort of crowbar for digging.
Pitcher
A wide-mouthed, deep vessel for holding liquids, with a spout or protruding lip and a handle; a water jug or jar with a large ear or handle.
Pitcher
(botany) A tubular or cuplike appendage or expansion of the leaves of certain plants. See pitcher plant.
Pitcher
One who pitches anything, as hay, quoits, a ball, etc.; specifically (Baseball), the player who delivers the ball to the batsman.
Pitcher
A sort of crowbar for digging.
Pitcher
A wide-mouthed, deep vessel for holding liquids, with a spout or protruding lip and a handle; a water jug or jar with a large ear or handle.
Pitcher
A tubular or cuplike appendage or expansion of the leaves of certain plants.
Pitcher
(baseball) the person who does the pitching;
Our pitcher has a sore arm
Pitcher
An open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
Pitcher
The quantity contained in a pitcher
Pitcher
The position on a baseball team of the player who throws the ball for a batter to try to hit;
He has played every position except pitcher
They have a southpaw on the mound
Common Curiosities
How does the design of an ewer enhance its function?
The design, including a long spout and handle, helps control pouring during ceremonial use.
Can ewers be used daily like pitchers?
Ewers are not typically used daily; they are more for decorative or ceremonial purposes.
Are pitchers suitable for formal dining?
While pitchers are more functional, decorative versions can be suitable for formal settings.
What historical significance do ewers hold?
Ewers have historical significance in various cultures, often related to rituals and upper-class dining etiquette.
How is a pitcher different from an ewer in terms of material?
Pitchers are generally made from more practical materials like glass or ceramic, whereas ewers are often more decorative.
What types of beverages are commonly served in pitchers?
Water, juice, iced tea, and beer are commonly served in pitchers.
Are ewers commonly found in modern households?
Ewers are less common in modern households, being more prevalent in religious or ceremonial contexts.
What is the primary use of an ewer?
Primarily used for decorative purposes or in ceremonial water pouring.
How have the materials used in ewers evolved over time?
Historically made from metals and porcelain, modern ewers may also incorporate glass and high-quality plastics for ceremonial use.
What is the typical capacity of a pitcher?
Capacities vary, but they generally range from one to two liters.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
