demijohn

/'demidʤɔn/

Friendly

Explanation of the Word "Demijohn"

Definition:
A "demijohn" is a large bottle that has a short, narrow neck. It often has small handles on its neck and is usually covered in wickerwork, which is a type of woven material. Demijohns are commonly used to store liquids, like wine or vinegar.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You would typically use "demijohn" when talking about storage containers for liquids.
• Formality: It is a somewhat formal or old-fashioned word, so you might not hear it used in everyday conversation.

Example Sentence:

• "The old cellar was filled with dusty demijohns, each containing a different type of homemade wine."

Advanced Usage:

• In historical or literary contexts, you might find "demijohn" used to create a sense of nostalgia or to describe traditional ways of storing beverages.

Word Variants:

• Demijohns (plural) - Referring to more than one demijohn.

Different Meanings:

• The word "demijohn" primarily refers to the bottle itself. It does not have other meanings in English, but it can sometimes be used metaphorically in literature to represent something that holds or contains something valuable or precious.

Synonyms:

• Carboy: A similar type of container, usually larger and made of glass or plastic.
• Bottle: A general term for a container for liquids, but less specific than "demijohn."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While "demijohn" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you can use phrases like "bottled up" to imply something is contained, similar to how a demijohn holds liquid.

Summary:

A demijohn is a large, narrow-necked bottle often used for storing liquids. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but can be found in discussions about beverages, especially in historical or traditional contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. large bottle with a short narrow neck; often has small handles at neck and is enclosed in wickerwork