Basket vs. Bucket: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
A basket is typically an open container made of interwoven materials, used for holding or carrying items, while a bucket is a cylindrical, open container with a handle, often made of metal or plastic, typically used for holding liquids.
Key Differences
The terms "basket" and "bucket" refer to two distinct types of containers that serve different purposes and are constructed differently. A basket is primarily an open container, often crafted from interwoven materials like wicker, wire, or plastic. It is usually used for holding or carrying items, especially dry goods. In contrast, a bucket is a waterproof container, typically cylindrical in shape, and is often made of metal, plastic, or wood. Buckets are designed to hold liquids or other materials, and they generally have a handle for carrying.
While baskets are known for their flexibility and are often lightweight due to their construction materials and design, buckets are recognized for their sturdiness and ability to hold a variety of contents, including liquids. The permeable nature of many baskets makes them unsuitable for holding liquids, while the solid construction of buckets makes them versatile for carrying both liquids and solids. The versatility of baskets lies in their ability to house items like fruits, vegetables, and other dry goods, while the utility of buckets extends to tasks such as cleaning and transporting water.
When considering the aesthetics and craftsmanship, baskets often exhibit a more intricate design due to the weaving or interlacing of materials, giving them an aesthetic appeal. Buckets, however, are more utilitarian and are designed for functionality, often lacking the decorative appeal of baskets. Baskets may be found as part of home décor or used in ceremonies due to their decorative nature, while buckets are more commonly seen in industrial settings or household chores due to their practical design.
The usage of baskets and buckets also varies according to cultural, traditional, and regional preferences. Baskets have been used historically for gathering and storage, with different cultures having unique designs and weaving techniques. Buckets, on the other hand, have been universally used for tasks related to water and other liquids, with their design seeing fewer variations.
Despite the differences in design, construction, and usage, both baskets and buckets serve as essential tools in everyday life. They address different needs and offer convenience in handling, transporting, and storing items, showcasing the diversity in container design and functionality.
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Comparison Chart
Material and Construction
Typically made of interwoven materials like wicker or wire.
Often made of solid materials like metal or plastic.
Purpose
Used for holding or carrying dry goods.
Designed for holding and carrying liquids or solids.
Design
Exhibits intricate designs, can be decorative.
More utilitarian, often lacks decorative appeal.
Permeability
Often permeable, unsuitable for liquids.
Waterproof, suitable for holding liquids.
Usage Context
Found in home décor, ceremonies, and for holding food items.
Commonly used in industrial settings and household chores.
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Basket and Bucket Definitions
Basket
A container made of interwoven materials.
She placed the fresh fruits in the basket.
Bucket
A cylindrical container with a handle for holding liquids.
He filled the bucket with water to wash the car.
Basket
A usually open container used for carrying.
He carried a basket of laundry to the washing machine.
Bucket
A sturdy, usually open receptacle.
She used a bucket to carry the sand.
Basket
A crafted container for holding dry goods.
The shopper filled her basket with groceries.
Bucket
A waterproof container typically used for holding liquids.
He brought a bucket of paint to start the work.
Basket
A decorative or functional woven container.
The basket on the dining table held decorative ornaments.
Bucket
A container with a handle used for carrying various materials.
She took a bucket to collect the apples from the tree.
Basket
A container made of interwoven material, such as rushes or twigs.
Bucket
A durable, practical receptacle for carrying or holding.
The cleaning bucket held all the necessary supplies.
Basket
The amount that a basket can hold.
Bucket
A cylindrical vessel used for holding or carrying liquids or solids; a pail.
Basket
An item resembling such a container in shape or function.
Bucket
The amount that a bucket can hold
One bucket of paint will be enough for the ceiling.
Basket
A usually open gondola suspended from a hot-air balloon.
Bucket
A unit of dry measure in the US Customary System equal to 2 pecks (17.6 liters).
Basket
A group of related things, such as financial securities or products in a specific market.
Bucket
A receptacle on various machines, such as the scoop of a power shovel or the compartments on a water wheel, used to gather and convey material.
Basket
Either of the two goals normally elevated ten feet above the floor, consisting of a metal hoop from which an open-bottomed circular net is suspended.
Bucket
(Basketball) A basket.
Basket
A field goal.
Bucket
To hold, carry, or put in a bucket
Bucket up water from a well.
Basket
(Sports) A usually circular or star-shaped structure at the base of a ski pole, used to prevent the pole from sinking too deeply into the snow.
Bucket
To ride (a horse) long and hard.
Basket
A lightweight container, generally round, open at the top, and tapering toward the bottom.
A basket of fake fruit adorned the table.
Bucket
To move or proceed rapidly and jerkily
Bucketing over the unpaved lane.
Basket
(by extension) A bed for a cat.
Bucket
To make haste; hustle.
Basket
A wire or plastic container similar in shape to a basket, used for carrying articles for purchase in a shop.
Bucket
A container made of rigid material, often with a handle, used to carry liquids or small items.
Basket
(internet) In an online shop, a listing of a customer's chosen items before they are ordered.
Bucket
The amount held in this container.
Basket
(figurative) A set or collection of intangible things.
Bucket
A large amount of liquid.
Basket
(basketball) A circular hoop, from which a net is suspended, which is the goal through which the players try to throw the ball.
The point guard drove toward the basket.
Bucket
A great deal of anything.
Basket
(basketball) The act of putting the ball through the basket, thereby scoring points.
The last-second basket sealed the victory.
Bucket
A unit of measure equal to four gallons.
Basket
(uncountable) The game of basketball.
Let's play some basket.
Bucket
Part of a piece of machinery that resembles a bucket (container).
Basket
A dance movement in some line dances, where men put their arms round the women's lower backs, and the women put their arms over the men's shoulders, and the group (usually of four, any more is difficult) spins round, which should result in the women's feet leaving the ground.
Bucket
An insult term used in Toronto to refer to someone who habitually uses crack cocaine.
Basket
The male genitalia and region surrounding it.
Bucket
(slang) An old vehicle that is not in good working order.
Basket
(slang) The bulge of the male genitals seen through clothing.
Bucket
The basket.
Basket
(obsolete) In a stage-coach, two outside seats facing each other.
Bucket
A field goal.
Basket
(archaic) A protection for the hand on a sword or a singlestick; a guard of a bladed weapon.
Bucket
(variation management) A mechanism for avoiding the allocation of targets in cases of mismanagement.
Basket
A singlestick with a basket hilt.
Bucket
(computing) A storage space in a hash table for every item sharing a particular key.
Basket
(ballooning) The gondola or wicker basket suspended from the balloon, in which the pilot and passengers travel.
Bucket
A turbine blade driven by hot gas or steam.
Basket
(architecture) The bell or vase of the Corinthian capital.
Bucket
A bucket bag.
Basket
Bastard.
Wait till I catch you, you little basket!
Bucket
The leather socket for holding the whip when driving, or for the carbine or lance when mounted.
Basket
A drogue (or para-drogue) in the probe-and-drogue refueling method
Don't smoosh the basket.
Bucket
The pitcher in certain orchids.
Basket
(transitive) To place in a basket or baskets.
Bucket
A helmet.
Basket
To cross-collateralize the royalty advances for multiple works so that the creator is not paid until all of those works have achieved a certain level of success.
Bucket
(transitive) To place inside a bucket.
Basket
A vessel made of osiers or other twigs, cane, rushes, splints, or other flexible material, interwoven.
Bucket
(transitive) To draw or lift in, or as if in, buckets.
Basket
The contents of a basket; as much as a basket contains; as, a basket of peaches.
Bucket
To rain heavily.
Basket
The bell or vase of the Corinthian capital.
Bucket
To travel very quickly.
Basket
The two back seats facing one another on the outside of a stagecoach.
Bucket
(transitive) To ride (a horse) hard or mercilessly.
Basket
A container shaped like a basket{1}, even if made of solid material rather than woven; - the top is often, but not always, open and without a lid.
Bucket
To criticize vehemently; to denigrate.
Basket
A vessel suspended below a balloon, designed to carry people or measuring instruments for scientific research.
Bucket
To categorize (data) by splitting it into buckets, or groups of related items.
Basket
A goal{3} consisting of a short cylindrical net suspended from a circular rim, which itself is attached at about ten feet above floor level to a backboard, placed at the end of a basketball court. In professional basketball, two such baskets are used, one at each end of the court, and each team may score only by passing the ball though its own basket. In informal games, only one such basket is often used.
Bucket
To make, or cause to make (the recovery), with a certain hurried or unskillful forward swing of the body.
Basket
An instance of scoring points by throwing the basketball through the basket; as, he threw four baskets in the first quarter; - the ball must pass through the basket from above in order to score points.
Bucket
A vessel for drawing up water from a well, or for catching, holding, or carrying water, sap, or other liquids.
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,The moss-covered bucket, which hung in the well.
Basket
To put into a basket.
Bucket
A vessel (as a tub or scoop) for hoisting and conveying coal, ore, grain, etc.
Basket
A container that is usually woven and has handles
Bucket
One of the receptacles on the rim of a water wheel into which the water rushes, causing the wheel to revolve; also, a float of a paddle wheel.
Basket
The quantity contained in a basket
Bucket
The valved piston of a lifting pump.
Basket
Horizontal hoop with a net through which players try to throw the basketball
Bucket
One of vanes on the rotor of a turbine.
Basket
A score in basketball made by throwing the ball through the hoop
Bucket
A bucketfull.
Basket
A receptacle holding items.
The picnic basket was filled with delicious treats.
Bucket
To draw or lift in, or as if in, buckets; as, to bucket water.
Bucket
To pour over from a bucket; to drench.
Bucket
To ride (a horse) hard or mercilessly.
Bucket
To make, or cause to make (the recovery), with a certain hurried or unskillful forward swing of the body.
Bucket
A roughly cylindrical that is vessel open at the top
Bucket
The quantity contained in a bucket
Bucket
Put into a bucket
Bucket
Carry in a bucket
FAQs
Are baskets usually made of interwoven materials?
Yes, baskets are usually made of interwoven materials like wicker or wire.
Can baskets have decorative designs?
Yes, baskets often exhibit intricate, decorative designs and can be used as décor.
Can baskets be used for carrying food items?
Yes, baskets are commonly used for carrying food items like fruits and vegetables.
Are baskets typically open containers?
Yes, baskets are typically open containers used for holding or carrying items.
Can a bucket be used for carrying solids as well?
Yes, a bucket can be used for carrying both solids and liquids due to its solid construction.
Are buckets usually more utilitarian in design?
Yes, buckets typically have a more utilitarian and practical design compared to baskets.
Can buckets be made of plastic, metal, or wood?
Yes, buckets can be made from a variety of materials including plastic, metal, and wood.
Is a bucket suitable for holding liquids?
Yes, a bucket is designed to be waterproof and is suitable for holding liquids.
Is the construction of baskets usually lightweight?
Yes, due to the interwoven materials used, baskets are often lightweight.
Are buckets generally sturdier than baskets?
Yes, buckets, due to their solid construction materials, are generally sturdier than baskets.
Are buckets typically equipped with a handle?
Yes, buckets typically have a handle to aid in carrying.
Are baskets and buckets different in terms of functionality and design?
Yes, baskets and buckets have distinct differences in functionality and design, catering to diverse needs.
Can baskets be used for storage purposes?
Yes, baskets can be used for storing and organizing various items, especially dry goods.
Can baskets be permeable?
Yes, many baskets are permeable due to their woven construction and are unsuitable for liquids.
Are buckets commonly used for household chores?
Yes, buckets are commonly used for various household chores, especially those involving liquids.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
