flagon

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableold-fashioned

   A large, usually lidded jug with a handle and spout, used for serving wine or ale.

   Grammar: Often seen in historical or fantasy settings.

   Patterns

   • a flagon of something

   The innkeeper set a flagon of ale on the table.

   A silver flagon stood on the altar at the church.

   The museum displayed a flagon from the fourteenth century.

2. 2nouncountableBritishinformal

   A large, usually round bottle of cheap wine or cider holding about two liters.

   Grammar: Mainly British informal usage.

   Patterns

   • a flagon of cider

   They shared a flagon of cider on the beach.

   He bought a flagon of wine for the picnic.

   The park bench was littered with an empty flagon.

Word forms

Common combinations

flagon of ale

The knight raised a flagon of ale.

flagon of wine

A flagon of wine stood beside the bread.

silver flagon

The silver flagon was a family heirloom.

pewter flagon

The tavern served drinks in pewter flagons.

Synonyms and how they differ

jug

Jug is an everyday container for any liquid, while flagon suggests something older or grander.

pitcher

Pitcher is the common American word for a serving jug, whereas flagon sounds historical.

tankard

A tankard is a drinking mug, while a flagon is a serving vessel.

Word family

flask noun

a small bottle for liquids

Commonly confused: flagon or flagrant?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “flagon”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words