glass-blowing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical, artistic, academic
Quick answer
What does “glass-blowing” mean?
The craft or process of shaping molten glass by blowing air into it through a tube.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The craft or process of shaping molten glass by blowing air into it through a tube.
The art, craft, or profession of creating glass objects (such as vases, ornaments, or scientific equipment) by inflating molten glass gathered at the end of a blowpipe. It also refers to the specific technique of inflating a gather of glass into a bubble.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'colour' in glass-blowing artistry vs. 'color'). Hyphenation is common in both varieties, but 'glassblowing' as one word is also widely accepted.
Connotations
In both cultures, it connotes traditional craftsmanship, artistry, and sometimes scientific glassware production. In the UK, it may have stronger historical associations with industries like Stourbridge glass. In the US, it is often associated with studio art movements.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects, appearing in technical, artistic, and historical contexts. Not a high-frequency everyday word.
Grammar
How to Use “glass-blowing” in a Sentence
[Subject] practices/studies glass-blowing.[Subject] is skilled in glass-blowing.The [artifact] was made by glass-blowing.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glass-blowing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He learnt to blow glass at the Stourbridge college.
- The artisan was blowing a glass vase.
American English
- She learned to blow glass at the Pilchuck school.
- They are blowing glass ornaments for the festival.
adverb
British English
- This vase was made glass-blowing. (Rare, awkward – preferable: '...by glass-blowing.')
- Not typically used.
American English
- The ornament was created glass-blowing. (Rare, awkward)
- Not typically used.
adjective
British English
- The glass-blowing workshop was fully booked.
- She admired his glass-blowing skill.
American English
- The glassblowing studio needed new equipment.
- It was a delicate glass-blowing operation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a niche manufacturing or craft industry sector, e.g., 'The company specializes in scientific glass-blowing for laboratories.'
Academic
Used in art history, material science, and archaeology to describe historical and contemporary fabrication techniques.
Everyday
Used when discussing hobbies, crafts, or visiting places like museums with demonstrations.
Technical
Precise term in materials engineering, artisan craft documentation, and scientific apparatus manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glass-blowing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glass-blowing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glass-blowing”
- Misspelling as 'glassblowing' (acceptable) or 'glass blowing' (less standard).
- Confusing it with 'glass blowing' as in wind blowing glass objects over (different syntactic structure).
- Using it as a verb directly (e.g., 'He glass-blows') – the verb is 'to blow glass'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both 'glass-blowing' (hyphenated) and 'glassblowing' (solid) are widely accepted in modern usage, though style guides may differ.
Not directly. The verb phrase is 'to blow glass'. 'Glass-blowing' is a noun referring to the craft or process (e.g., 'He practices glass-blowing').
Glass-blowing is a specific technique within the broader field of glassworking (or glassmaking), which includes casting, fusing, lampworking, and cold working.
No. While often associated with art, it is also used to create scientific laboratory glassware, lighting components, and commercial containers.
The craft or process of shaping molten glass by blowing air into it through a tube.
Glass-blowing is usually technical, artistic, academic in register.
Glass-blowing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɑːs ˌbləʊɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæs ˌbloʊɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly from 'glass-blowing'. Related: 'to blow one's own trumpet' (unrelated meaning).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BLOW'ing a BUBBLE into hot, molten GLASS to shape it.
Conceptual Metaphor
BREATH SHAPES MATTER (human breath transforms a liquid into a solid form).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary action involved in glass-blowing?