brew

1 of 2

verb

ˈbrü 

brewed; brewing; brews

transitive verb

1

: to prepare (beer, ale, etc.) by steeping, boiling, and fermentation or by infusion and fermentation

2

a

: to bring about : foment

brew trouble

b

: contrive

3

: to prepare (a drink or other liquid) by infusion in hot water

brew tea

intransitive verb

1

: to brew beer or ale

2

: to be in the process of forming

a storm is brewing

brewer

ˈbrü-ər 

ˈbru̇(-ə)r

noun

brew

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a brewed beverage (such as beer)

b

: a serving of a brewed beverage

quaff a few brews

c

: something produced by or as if by brewing

2

: the process of brewing

Synonyms

Verb

• abet
• ferment
• foment
• incite
• instigate
• pick
• provoke
• raise
• stir (up)
• whip (up)

Examples of brew in a Sentence

Verb

They brew the beer on the premises.

The restaurant also brews its own ginger ale and root beer.

They've been brewing in the new brewery since March.

I'll brew another pot of tea.

It feels like there's a storm brewing.

Noun

I'll buy you a brew.

a manufacturer of specialty brews

a perfect cup of brew

time for a quick brew

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Starbucks brewed up something new to build its latest store: a 3D printer. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 May 2025

Between the hours of 6 a.m. to noon on Monday morning, the staff brews 48 cups of coffee every 15 minutes, delivering more than 200 coffees to guests. —Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 1 May 2025

Noun

Cold brew is a process of extracting flavor over a long time, at low intensity, and so the results differ from hot brew. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 30 Apr. 2025

This brew features a luscious blend of tropical fruit aromas and a smooth mouthfeel, delivering a refreshing experience that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English brēowan; akin to Latin fervēre to boil — more at barm

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing brew

• home brew
• witches' brew

Rhymes for brew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew
• do

Kids Definition

brew

1 of 2 verb

ˈbrü 

1

: to make (as beer or ale) from water, malt, and hops

2

: to try to bring about : plot, plan

brew mischief

3

: to prepare (as tea) by soaking in hot water

4

: to start to form

a storm is brewing

brewer

ˈbrü-ər 

ˈbru̇(-ə)r

noun

brew

2 of 2 noun

: a brewed beverage