Definition of jug

The word "jug" may refer to a vessel used to hold and carry liquid, specifically water or another beverage. The origin of the word "jug" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "hlûgr," which meant "deep container" or "vessel with handles." During the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, this Old Norse word was adopted into Middle English and evolved into "yogge," spelled with a "y" due to medieval scribes' use of ligatures (two or more letters combined into a single symbol). As English began to standardize in the 15th century, the word's spelling transformed into the modern "jug," but it retained its original meaning of a container with handles for carrying and pouring liquids. While the usage of jugs declined with the advent of glass bottles and other modern packaging during the Industrial Revolution, jugs remain a popular fixture in home kitchens and bars today, particularly for serving water or other beverages. Some common types of jugs include glass carafes, ceramic pitchers, and pewter or metal-based containers.