cruet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “cruet” mean?
A small glass or ceramic bottle, often part of a set, used for holding vinegar, oil, or other condiments at the dining table.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small glass or ceramic bottle, often part of a set, used for holding vinegar, oil, or other condiments at the dining table.
A set of such bottles on a stand or tray; a cruet stand. Also used for holding salt and pepper, mustard, or other table condiments. In British usage, can refer specifically to a set including oil and vinegar bottles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is more commonly used and understood in British English. In American English, the term 'cruet' is less common in everyday speech; phrases like 'oil and vinegar bottles' or 'condiment set' are often used instead.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes traditional, formal, or older-fashioned dining settings. In American English, it may sound archaic or highly specific to certain contexts like church services or antique collecting.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but significantly higher in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “cruet” in a Sentence
a cruet of [liquid, e.g., oil]a cruet setthe oil/vinegar cruetVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cruet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This word is not used as a verb.
American English
- This word is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This word is not used as an adjective.
American English
- This word is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in manufacturing or retail of dining ware.
Academic
Rare, except in historical or material culture studies.
Everyday
Low. Used mainly in descriptions of table settings in homes or restaurants.
Technical
In ecclesiastical contexts for vessels holding sacramental wine and water.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cruet”
- Incorrect plural: 'cruets' (correct) vs. 'cruet' for plural.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkraʊɪt/ instead of /ˈkruːɪt/.
- Using it for any small bottle, not specifically table condiment containers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word, mostly used in specific contexts like formal dining, antique collecting, or church rituals.
Traditionally, oil and vinegar, but it can also hold other condiments like soy sauce, or in a church, sacramental wine and water.
A cruet is typically smaller and for condiments or ritual use, often stoppered. A decanter is larger, for serving wine or spirits, and usually has a stopper but may be left open.
Yes, a single bottle can be called a cruet, but it often refers to one bottle within a set (cruet set) or the set itself.
A small glass or ceramic bottle, often part of a set, used for holding vinegar, oil, or other condiments at the dining table.
Cruet is usually formal in register.
Cruet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkruːɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkruːɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pass the cruet.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'At a fancy dinner, you might CRY ETiquette if you spill from the small glass CRUET.' (Cruet sounds like 'crew it' – the crew on a ship might use small bottles.)
Conceptual Metaphor
CONDIMENTS ARE PRECIOUS LIQUIDS (contained in special vessels).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'cruet'?