malt

1 of 2

noun

1
: grain (such as barley) softened by steeping in water, allowed to germinate, and used especially in brewing and distilling
2
3
malty adjective

malt

2 of 2

verb

malted; malting; malts

transitive verb

1
: to convert into malt
2
: to make or treat with malt or malt extract

intransitive verb

1
: to become malt
2
: to make grain into malt

Examples of malt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Hints of cooked cereal/malt, baking cocoa and tropical fruit, especially mango, add complexity. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 As a reminder, blended scotch refers to a blend of malt and grain whisky from various distilleries, while a blended malt consists of just malt whisky. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
Since 2018, Carolina Malt House in Cleveland has malted barley and other grains grown from over a dozen neighboring farms within a 10-mile radius. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2025 The influence of the ale cask imparts malted sweetness and dried fruit characteristics, enhancing the bourbon's complexity. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malt

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English mealt; akin to Old High German malz malt, Old English meltan to melt

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malt was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malt. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

malt

1 of 2 noun
1
: grain and especially barley steeped in water and used chiefly in brewing and distilling
2
malt adjective

malt

2 of 2 verb
1
: to convert into malt
2
: to make or treat with malt or malt extract

Medical Definition

malt

1 of 2 noun
: grain softened by steeping in water, allowed to germinate, and used especially in brewing and distilling

MALT

2 of 2 abbreviation
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on malt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!