salt shaker
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
A small container with holes in the top, used for sprinkling salt onto food.
A container designed for dispensing granular condiments, primarily salt, typically with a perforated top and sometimes a mechanism to regulate flow.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun. While 'salt shaker' specifies the content, the word 'shaker' alone can imply a container for any fine-grained condiment (e.g., pepper, sugar). It is a concrete household object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'salt cellar' is a common, more traditional synonym. 'Salt shaker' is perfectly understood and used. In American English, 'salt shaker' is the overwhelmingly dominant term.
Connotations
'Salt cellar' (UK) can sound slightly old-fashioned or formal to some. 'Salt shaker' (US/UK) is the default, neutral term for the modern object.
Frequency
Very common in American English. Common in British English, though 'salt cellar' has comparable frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] shook the salt shaker over [Object][Subject] passed the salt shaker to [Recipient]The salt shaker sits on the [Location]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like shaking a salt shaker with the lid on (informal: ineffective effort)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in manufacturing, retail, or hospitality supply contexts.
Academic
Very rare. Not a typical subject of academic discourse.
Everyday
Common in domestic and restaurant contexts.
Technical
Rare. Could appear in industrial design or materials science discussions about packaging.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The salt-shaker lid was stuck.
- A classic salt-shaker design.
American English
- The salt-shaker top was clogged.
- A stainless-steel salt-shaker set.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The salt shaker is on the table.
- Please pass me the salt shaker.
- The holes in the salt shaker are too big.
- We need to buy a new salt shaker; this one is rusty.
- He absent-mindedly shook the salt shaker over his chips before realising it was empty.
- The vintage glass salt shaker was part of a matching condiment set.
- The design of the salt shaker, with its dual-holed top, allows for a fine or coarse sprinkle depending on which side is tapped.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SHAKing SALT onto your food from a SHAKER.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR DISPENSING (A basic instrument for a specific domestic task).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'солонка' is the correct Russian equivalent, but the English term is a compound, not 'salt vessel'.
- Do not confuse with 'pepper shaker' (перечница).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'salt shaker' as a verb (e.g., 'Can you salt shaker this?'). Incorrect plural: 'salts shakers' (correct: 'salt shakers').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used in American English for a container with holes for sprinkling salt?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, written as two separate words.
Both 'salt shaker' and 'salt cellar' are used. 'Salt cellar' is a more traditional British term.
Yes, in context (e.g., 'Pass the shaker'), it's understood to mean the salt shaker, but it can be ambiguous if a pepper shaker is also present.
A 'salt and pepper set' or 'condiment set'.