WordGarden.iotankard
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈæŋkəd/
US
- /ˈtæŋkərd/
Meanings
Noun
a large handled drinking mug, often used for beer or ale
Beyond the definition
Imagine a roaring fire in an old tavern, the smell of roasted meat in the air, and people raising heavy mugs for a drink. That mug might well be a tankard. A tankard is a large, sturdy drinking vessel, usually with a handle and often made of metal such as pewter or silver. It is most often linked with beer, ale, or cider, and many people picture it in old inns, pubs, or storybook scenes from the past. Some tankards also have a lid. While they are less common in daily life now, they are still seen at themed events, in historic settings, and as decorative or collectible pieces.
A tankard is a large drinking vessel, usually made for beer, ale, cider, or similar drinks. It is most often shown as a sturdy mug with a handle, and in many traditional forms it is made of pewter, silver, wood, or glass. Some tankards also have a hinged lid, which is one of their best-known features. While many people connect them with medieval Europe or old English taverns, the word does not refer only to a fantasy object; it can also describe a real drinking mug in a traditional style.
The word likely comes from Old French "tanquart," meaning a drinking vessel. In the past, tankards were not just practical objects. They could also show wealth or status, especially when made from precious metals and decorated with detailed work. They appear often in literature, paintings, and historical settings, where they help create the feeling of a busy inn, a feast, or a public house from long ago.
Today, tankards are less common in everyday use, but they have not disappeared. People still buy them as collectibles, gifts, or decorative pieces, and they are also used in themed pubs, historical fairs, and reenactments. Modern versions may be made of stainless steel, ceramic, or glass. So when you see one, think of more than just a mug: think of a vessel with a long history, tied to shared drinks, old customs, and a warm, hearty social world.
Examples
- 1
Inn drink
At the old inn, the waiter brought her a tankard of dark beer.
- 2
Bar display
A row of pewter tankards hung above the bar.
- 3
Toast
He raised his tankard and toasted the travelers' safe return.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- tankardnoun