flagon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “flagon” mean?
A large container, typically made of metal or pottery, with a handle, spout, and often a lid, used for holding and serving drinks, especially alcoholic beverages like wine or ale.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large container, typically made of metal or pottery, with a handle, spout, and often a lid, used for holding and serving drinks, especially alcoholic beverages like wine or ale.
A large bottle, often decorative, used for serving wine or other liquids; historically, a vessel of a specific capacity used in taverns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary contexts. In the US, it is extremely rare outside of specific historical reenactment or fantasy genres.
Connotations
UK: Slightly archaic but recognisable; associated with pubs, real ale, and history. US: Primarily a literary or fantasy word; not part of contemporary vocabulary.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but marginally higher in UK English due to preserved historical references in pub culture.
Grammar
How to Use “flagon” in a Sentence
[Verb] a flagon of [liquid]: *serve/pour/drain a flagon of ale*[Adjective] flagon: *a pewter flagon*Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flagon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, or literary studies describing artefacts or texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used humorously or in themed contexts (e.g., a medieval banquet).
Technical
Used in antiques, brewing history, or museum curation to describe specific types of vessels.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flagon”
- Confusing 'flagon' with 'flagging' (tiring).
- Using it to refer to a modern, standard wine bottle.
- Misspelling as 'flagon' (correct) vs. 'flaggen' or 'flaggon'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A tankard is a large drinking mug with a handle, often with a lid. A flagon is a larger container for serving multiple drinks *into* tankards or glasses. A flagon is for the table; a tankard is for the hand.
No, this would sound very archaic and confusing. Use 'carafe', 'bottle', or 'jug' instead, depending on what the restaurant offers.
Historically, flagons were made from pewter, silver, pottery, or leather-bound glass. Modern decorative ones might be made of silverplate, ceramic, or glass.
No, it is a low-frequency, C2-level word. Its primary use is in historical, literary, or fantasy contexts, not in everyday modern conversation.
A large container, typically made of metal or pottery, with a handle, spout, and often a lid, used for holding and serving drinks, especially alcoholic beverages like wine or ale.
Flagon is usually formal, literary, historical in register.
Flagon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflæɡən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæɡən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage. Historical/poetic: 'drain the flagon' meaning to finish all the drink.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FLAG on a large jug. A FLAG-ON a flagon helps you remember this word for a big, handled drinking vessel.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABUNDANCE IS A LARGE CONTAINER (e.g., 'a flagon of goodwill').
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'flagon' today?