jug

A jug is a container for holding and pouring liquids. It is typically designed with a handle for lifting and a spout or lip to direct the flow, though forms vary widely. Jugs can be tall and narrow or short and rounded, with mouths ranging from wide to narrow. Some jugs include a lid or stopper.

Materials used to make jugs include ceramics (earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain), glass, metal (such as tin, pewter, aluminum, or stainless steel), and various plastics. Ceramic and glass jugs are common for domestic use, while metal and plastic versions are widely used for outdoor, industrial, or travel purposes. Many jugs are plain, while others are decorated with patterns, glazes, or inscriptions.

In everyday English, jug is a broad term for a pouring vessel. In some contexts, a pitcher is used interchangeably, though some traditions distinguish the two by form and function: a jug may be a sturdier, single-handle vessel with a simpler pouring lip, while a pitcher often implies a broader mouth and a more pronounced pouring spout.

History and usage: jugs appear in many ancient civilizations as vessels for water, wine, oil, or milk. Archaeological finds include pottery jugs from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and the Levant, dating back thousands of years. The form persisted through classical and medieval periods and remains common today. In modern contexts, jugs are used as kitchenware, beverage containers, and, in industrial settings, as durable liquid containers with measurement markings or ergonomic designs.