A narrow-necked container, often made of glass or plastic, used to hold liquids or semiliquids for storage and transport. It may be capped, corked or sealed with a stopper and is usually designed to be handled easily. It can be a useful way to store and carry beverages, chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
The term bottle can also be applied to other containers, such as a can or a jar. These containers can be sealed with a cap or stopper and are often used to contain liquids, powders and other materials. Bottles have been made for many purposes since ancient times, including drinking vessels, utensils and ornamental items. Bottles are typically made from a material such as glass, plastic or metal and can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to serve many different purposes.
Depending on the material, bottles can vary greatly in appearance, strength and durability. Glass is a relatively soft and flexible material that is available in many colors and can be molded into practical and decorative objects. Bottles can also be made from plastics, which are often lighter, more durable and easier to transport. Some bottles are made of metallic substances such as copper or aluminum, which provide additional stability and durability.
While a glass bottle has a long history of use for both functional and decorative purposes, a plastic or metallic one is more likely to be found in modern households. These bottles are more often used to store and transport beverages and are available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes. In fact, some consumers prefer the appearance of a metal or plastic bottle to that of a glass bottle.
The main types of bottles are Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Bordeaux bottles are slender with a curved shoulder that is handy for catching sediment and easy to stack. Burgundy bottles are somewhat wider and have a smooth finish. Champagne bottles are much taller than other types and have a neck with a narrower cross section to allow for the production of carbonation.
For bottles that are to be labelled, it is necessary to know the height and width of the labeling surface to ensure proper placement of the label. This can be done by measuring the height of the bottle using a flexible tape measure or a ruler, and then adding the width of the label to determine the circumference. It is often a good idea to subtract 1/8″ to 1/4″ from the measurement to account for curvature and ensure that the label edges overlap accurately.
For those wishing to make their own labels, it is a good idea to wrap the bottle with a piece of paper and mark where it overlaps. This will help to avoid the need for complicated measurements and will ensure that the label will fit properly. Alternatively, you can use a sheet of paper that is large enough to completely cover the labeling area, then measure with a ruler.
