brew

1 of 2

verb

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
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 How to pronounce brew (audio)
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

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 See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Breweries operating under microbrewery restaurant permits brewed 16,350 barrels of beer, up nearly 6% from 15,424 for 2021. John Magsam, arkansasonline.com, 26 Nov. 2023 In Ohio, a three-way Senate primary has been brewing for months on the GOP side, with current Secretary of State Frank LaRose struggling to catch up financially with Bernie Moreno and Matt Dolan, his two independently wealthy primary opponents. Isabella Murray, ABC News, 24 Nov. 2023 For now, while there may be brewing frustration with Mr. Johnson from the right, most Republicans do not think there is any appetite to oust another speaker before the 2024 election. Annie Karni, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2023 Before the turkey goes in the oven and before the first political argument begins to brew, there’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Bychris Morris, Fortune, 22 Nov. 2023 New Realm expects to hire some of the program's graduates, who will be well-equipped to brew something tasty. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023 The ceramic company, which is known for its sleek and thoughtfully designed self-heating mugs and self-purifying water bottles, launched a teapot that easily brews your tea and keeps it warm. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023 At the same time, there is an elusive sense of danger there, with the threatening sea changing with the wind and tide, and storms always brewing. Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Nov. 2023 This year, the flavors are supposed to be reminiscent of rice pudding and is brewed with cassia bark, brown sugar, raisins and toasted rice. Em Sauter, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Noun
Some other kitchen gadgets include a Kitchen Aid food processor, Vitamix immersion blender, and a Stanley Cup for your morning brew. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023 Schultz is backing Cumulus Coffee, a New York City startup set to sell machines that dispense cold brew beverages at home. Heather Haddon, WSJ, 16 Nov. 2023 Surprisingly, the minimum brew resulted in a stronger flavor than the maximum. Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023 Fans have until Sunday, Nov. 19 to order a free small Frosty or a small Frosty cream cold brew in the Wendy's app — with no purchase required. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 14 Nov. 2023 In Louisiana, roast beef may be used in the place of the country ham, and chicory coffee in the place of a strong brew. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2023 Morning ritual, evening brew, or just stirring up some mischief—this cup takes sippin’ to a whole new level. Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2023 To honor the return of the peppermint Frosty and the new peppermint Frosty cream cold brew, the fast food chain is giving its mobile app users a special free treat. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 14 Nov. 2023 Buy now Hario Cold-Brew Bottle The Hario is a sleek and practical solution for crafting the perfect cold brew at home. Lela London, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brew.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near brew

Cite this Entry

“Brew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brew. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

brew

1 of 2 verb
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 How to pronounce brew (audio)
ˈbru̇(-ə)r
noun

brew

2 of 2 noun
: a brewed beverage

More from Merriam-Webster on brew

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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