basket
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbɑː.skɪt/US/ˈbæs.kɪt/
A container made of twigs, rushes, strips of wood, or other flexible materials, used for carrying or storing items; it can also refer to the net and hoop used in the game of basketball for scoring points.
Example Sentences
She carried apples in a woven basket through the orchard.
He carefully placed the laundry into a large wicker basket for washing.
A picnic basket packed with sandwiches, fruit, and cold drinks can turn an afternoon in the park into a relaxing retreat from the everyday hustle.
The basketball soared through the air and dropped neatly into the basket, earning the team two more points.
They lined the gift basket with decorative tissue paper and filled it with gourmet treats.
At the craft fair, artisans showcased colorful woven baskets made from sustainable materials like bamboo and rattan.
When we visited the countryside, we stumbled upon a family-owned workshop where skilled weavers meticulously crafted each basket by hand, preserving a time-honored tradition passed down through generations.
Although she only picked a few fresh vegetables from her garden, her small wicker basket overflowed with vibrant colors, capturing the essence of a fruitful harvest despite the limited space she had to grow them.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A woven or molded container used for storage, transport, or presentation.“Basket” is a noun referring to a container—often woven from materials like wicker, straw, or synthetic fibers—that can hold or carry items. Baskets vary greatly in size and design, ranging from small, decorative pieces for serving bread or displaying flowers to large, sturdy carriers for laundry, groceries, or harvest produce. When discussing baskets in practical contexts, focus on what type of items the basket might hold (fruits, bread, picnic supplies) or where it might be placed (kitchen counter, living room corner, farmer’s market). The word can also show up in idiomatic expressions: “put all your eggs in one basket” warns against risking everything in one venture, while “basket case” informally describes someone in a state of nerves or confusion. If you’re writing instructions or describing home organization, you might say, “Arrange your blankets in a large, woven basket for easy access.” In conversation, referencing a “gift basket” implies a festive presentation of treats, often for special events or holidays. Thanks to its widespread function, “basket” appears in settings from sports (basketball’s hoop, called a basket historically) to metaphors about risk-taking, storage, and generosity. Selecting the right size, material, or decorative style often reflects personal taste or cultural tradition, making the basket a simple yet customizable storage and display solution across diverse contexts.
Alternatives
When looking for synonyms or closely related terms to “basket,” consider words that either directly describe a similar container or convey a comparable function. “Hamper” implies a basket—often with a lid—commonly used for laundry or picnic sets, highlighting a blend of functionality and modest capacity. “Bin” or “container” are more general options, typically constructed of plastic or metal and suitable for stacking or storing larger items. If you want to evoke a rustic or artisanal feel, “wicker basket” or “woven tote” can be used, emphasizing craftsmanship and natural materials. In modern settings, “tote” sometimes refers to a sturdy fabric bag but can overlap with basket usage if it has a structured form and handles. “Crate” tends to imply a wooden or plastic open-top box, more industrial and less decorative, but still suitable for storage. Additionally, “caddy” or “carrier” indicate portability and organization, especially for small items like utensils, toiletries, or cleaning supplies. Each of these alternatives varies slightly by material, look, and context, so pick the one that best reflects how, where, and why the container is being used. While “basket” typically conjures images of woven construction, these related terms can broaden your descriptions of storage solutions, matching your intended aesthetic, capacity, or usage scenario.
Writing
When incorporating “basket” into your writing, consider its dual role: a basic household item and a cultural or symbolic object. For practical or instructional texts, spotlight how baskets help with organization or enhance décor. You might detail which materials—like wicker, bamboo, or recycled plastics—suit different uses. Emphasize color, texture, or durability if you’re discussing design choices. In a narrative, a basket can become a story’s subtle motif: a character might carry fresh produce in a handwoven basket to convey rural charm or tradition, or retrieve keepsakes from a dusty attic basket to trigger memory and nostalgia. If you’re aiming for a symbolic angle, choose verbs and adjectives that hint at the basket’s meaning—perhaps it holds the fruits of someone’s labor or represents a risk in that “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” sense. In more formal or historical pieces, elaborate on the basket’s place in various cultures: how different weaving techniques developed across regions, or how baskets have been used for carrying goods in markets for centuries. By weaving descriptive language (“the intricately braided wicker basket,” “the brightly patterned picnic basket”), you enrich the reader’s experience, turning a simple container into a vivid element of setting or theme. As with any common object in writing, context is key—illustrate who uses it, what it contains, and why it matters in that particular setting, and the humble “basket” can add warmth and authenticity to your prose.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “basket” frequently pops up when referring to practical storage or an event like a picnic. You might say, “Hand me the basket of bread, please,” or “I keep extra towels in a wicker basket in the bathroom,” both of which convey ease and familiarity. Baskets are also a go-to solution for organizing miscellaneous items—“I just toss my keys in that basket by the front door,” for instance. Outside of literal usage, the word sneaks into casual speech through idiomatic expressions. Mentioning “all your eggs in one basket” might be a friendly warning about diversification, such as not relying on a single investment or career path. When relaxing or planning a get-together, you might suggest assembling a “gift basket” with chocolates, scented candles, or small trinkets for a friend’s birthday. Even if you’re talking about groceries, you can compare the size of your shopping trip: “I only need a small basket today, not a cart.” Using “basket” in day-to-day dialogue is straightforward—it’s a household staple recognized worldwide for carrying or storing nearly anything. Whether you’re discussing décor tips, quick errands, or playful metaphors about risk, “basket” is short, familiar, and easily understood by listeners without further explanation.
Etymology
“Basket” traces its origins to the Old French word “basket” (spelled similarly) and the potentially related Latin term “bascauda,” referring to a type of wicker or woven vessel. Over centuries, weaving baskets from available natural materials—like reeds, rushes, willow branches—was a universal craft, practiced from ancient Egypt to indigenous North and South American cultures. These vessels proved essential for transporting goods, storing harvests, and even cooking in some traditions. The word “basket” took root in Middle English, maintaining its basic meaning: a container constructed primarily by weaving. As trade routes expanded and different weaving styles were exchanged, basket-making evolved to reflect the environment and resources of each region. In medieval Europe, baskets were vital for carrying everything from market wares to foraged items, often featuring distinct patterns that revealed the maker’s cultural background or local artistry. Over time, with industrialization, mass-produced baskets appeared alongside handwoven ones, though handmade designs remain significant for artisanal crafts and cultural heritage. Today, baskets can be made of plastic, metal, or synthetic fibers, but their historical identity as woven containers endures. Even if factories now churn out uniform pieces, many communities continue to pass down the skill of basket weaving, reflecting respect for tradition, functionality, and craftsmanship. Thus, “basket” has traveled across eras and continents, retaining its essential purpose while symbolizing resourcefulness, style, and cultural continuity.
