pewter

noun pew·ter \ ˈpyü-tər \

Updated on: 26 May 2018

Definition of pewter

1 : any of various alloys having tin as chief component; especially : a dull alloy with lead formerly used for domestic utensils

2 : utensils of pewter

3 : a bluish gray

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pewter

adjective

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Recent Examples of pewter from the Web

Her home is brick on the outside and sheepskin on the inside — every single surface that is not marble or polished pewter invites napping.

— brennan kilbane, Allure, "Inside Real Housewives of Atlanta Star Porsha Williams's Wig Room," 18 May 2018
Since 2006, to help celebrate Woodford Reserve’s partnership with the Derby, the distillery unveiled a $1,000 mint julep. Served in a pewter cup (which is best to keep your julep nice and frosty), the pricey cocktail is special for Derby goers.

— matthew libassi, Fox News, "Kentucky Derby guests can sip this $1,000 mint julep for a good cause," 4 May 2018
The Bucs should start by ditching the pewter (for silver or black) and bring more of the orange into the mix.

— andrew joseph, For The Win, "10 NFL teams that desperately need a uniform change," 19 Apr. 2018
Empty suits underneath those fancy red, bay orange and pewter colors.

— george diaz, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Buccaneers need to add fortitude to rinse away 2017's reality-show horror," 26 Mar. 2018
The palette was subtle, soothing, tone-on-tone neutrals: gray, beige, brown, pewter, and cream, with contrasts of black and silver.

— david denicolo, Town & Country, "Here's What It's Like to Fly in the Ultimate First Class Cabin," 14 Mar. 2018
Rae's makeup artist had many metals to choose from — there's silver, gold, pewter, and copper beads in the star's gown — when creating this look.

— hannah morrill, Allure, "9 Metallic Makeup Looks You’ll Want to Try Now," 23 Feb. 2018
Pair curvy pewter and ironstone or ceramic tureens with leggy candlesticks and tiny gourds (which happen to make sweet bottle stoppers).

— martha stewart, star-telegram, "Tips for creating the perfect Thanksgiving table," 1 Nov. 2017
The only difference is that it's now made of stainless steel rather than pewter, as the original model made by Sims.

— rosemary donahue, Allure, "Doctors are FINALLY Redesigning the Speculum," 7 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pewter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pewter

Middle English, from Anglo-French peutre, from Vulgar Latin *piltrum

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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PEWTER Defined for English Language Learners

pewter

noun

Definition of pewter for English Language Learners

: a dull gray metal that is a mixture of tin and usually lead

PEWTER Defined for Kids

pewter

noun pew·ter \ ˈpyü-tər \

Definition of pewter for Students

1 : a metallic substance made mostly of tin sometimes mixed with copper or antimony that is used in making utensils (as pitchers and bowls)

2 : utensils made of pewter

Learn More about pewter

See words that rhyme with pewter Spanish Central: Translation of pewter Nglish: Translation of pewter for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pewter

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pewter

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