What does tankard mean?
A tankard is a large drinking vessel, usually fitted with a sturdy handle and sometimes a hinged lid. Its traditional association with beer and ale gives it a character that is both practical and nostalgic: it suggests a substantial serving, a rustic tavern, or a historical scene more strongly than the neutral word “cup” does. Although “mug” can cover similar objects, “tankard” often conveys a vessel that is larger, heavier, or more traditional, whether made from pewter, silver, ceramic, or wood. The word can be used for an actual drinking vessel and figuratively in descriptions of old-fashioned hospitality or convivial drinking scenes. In modern English it is less general than “mug,” but it remains a useful and evocative term when a speaker wants to emphasize the size, material, traditional design, or cultural atmosphere associated with a drink served from one.
nounA tankard is a large drinking vessel with a handle, traditionally used for beer, ale, or similar drinks. It may be made of metal, pottery, wood, or another sturdy material and is sometimes fitted with a hinged lid.
- A large drinking vessel with a handle, traditionally used for beer or ale.
"The landlord set a foaming tankard of ale on the table beside the fire."
"He carried a full tankard through the crowded market."
"The museum displays a silver tankard engraved with the family crest."
The standard regular plural is “tankards.”
"Several empty tankards stood on the tavern table."
The word “tankard” evokes a large, sturdy drink served in a traditional tavern, carrying associations of hospitality, rustic character, and old-fashioned cheer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tankard come from?
Tankard is a medieval English word, appearing in Middle English in the late 14th century. Its origin is generally traced through continental Germanic sources, especially Middle Dutch, and it is related to tank, a word ultimately associated with drinking or a drinking vessel. The modern English form became established for a handled drinking cup, particularly one used for beer or ale.
How tankard is actually used
The word is familiar in British and American English but has an old-fashioned, traditional character compared with the more general “mug.” It is especially associated with beer and ale and may suggest a tavern, inn, or historical setting.
Easily confused with tankard
A jug is generally a large container with a handle and a narrow opening, often used for serving liquids, whereas a tankard is specifically a drinking vessel.