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 of brew

Verb

• provoke
• raise
• ferment
• promote
• trigger

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

But tensions brew in this village that could be out of a Grimms’ fairy tale, with local women (like Elizabeth Debicki) getting jealous and starting to wonder if their own husbands are lacking. — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

That one extra hit — not only getting something brewing, but following through, manufacturing a second run with a sacrifice bunt and a timely single — was the difference. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Noun

For $20, guests could fill a commemorative plastic stein with one of these brews. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026

There are also family activities, fall brews to sip, and food trucks to keep you fueled for the frights. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026

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

• cold brew
• cold brew coffee
• home 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