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
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Meanwhile, a statewide debate over child-labor laws is brewing in the background. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024 But as Peltz and others have noted, the truly existential issues that Disney and other media giants face have been brewing for years, since before Iger handed the baton, briefly, in February 2020 to former Disney executive Bob Chapek. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024 Here are some key strategies for brewing sustainability, improving the working environment for employees and reducing overall environmental impact. Vinay Chandrashekar, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 Under the influence of Christianity and Islam, which forbids alcohol, brewing culture among the Bisaya tribe came close to disappearing in the 1980s, said Peter Sawal, a tribal elder. Rebecca Tan, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 From steel fabricated without coal, to beer brewed without natural gas, to cement that sequesters carbon, an industrial revolution is unfolding. Jeffrey Rissman, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2024 Vine Street Pub, 1700 Vine St., remained closed to the public, however, even after the company began brewing there again to supply its other restaurants. Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2024 That the new station is legal doesn’t stop suspicion from brewing that China’s research stations could house activities with military utility, including for surveillance purposes. Elizabeth Buchanan, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024 That terrific brewery is no more, but the terrific former owner — Jeff Bagby — still brews here. Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024
Noun
Rimowa’s signature grooved aluminum runs across the solid stainless-steel body, elegantly complementing the aluminum brew paddle, paddle cover, portafilter, and feet. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024 This cold brew coffee maker has a reusable stainless steel steeper. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024 The hazy-for-days brew didn't have an easy path to the title by any means, taking on two previous champs in back-to-back weeks. The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024 From tacos and tequila to burgers and brews, the festival provides a way to connect with the area’s growing roster of chefs, food artisans, and craft brewers. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2024 The previous home to Big Stump Brewing Co. currently features 12 beers on tap at $6.50 per glass, with sizes ranging from 12 to 16 ounces (a pint), depending on the brew’s strength. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 Rasputin Todd The field is now down to a sweet and hoppy 16 brews fighting for the Cincinnati's Favorite Beer 2024 title. The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 The brew union accounted for one-third of all worldwide beer sales at the time. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2024 This brew crew has a long history This beer dinner came about a month or two ago. Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024

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 18 Apr. 2024.

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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