wort

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈwərt  ˈwȯrt 

: plant

especially : an herbaceous plant

—usually used in combination

lousewort

wort

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a sweet liquid drained from mash and fermented to make beer and whiskey

Examples of wort in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The current review found a total of 37 trials on St. John’s wort, with more showing effects against placebo than no effects, with similar or better results than antidepressants, Frost says. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 July 2025

These include vitamin E, St. John's wort, and ginseng. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025

From St John’s wort to vitamin D, the range of over-the-counter supplements for mental health support and wellbeing continues to expand at a rate faster than scientists can validate their efficacy. —New Atlas, 14 July 2025

As a brewer, my father spent his days busied by every manner of task—boiling wort, cleaning barrels, keeping records. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English wyrt root, herb, plant — more at root

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English wyrt; akin to Middle High German würze brewer's wort, Old English wyrt root, herb

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wort

• Saint John's wort
• St. John's wort

Kids Definition

wort

noun

ˈwərt,

ˈwȯ(ə)rt

: a sweet liquid that is drained from mash made from crushed malt or grain meal and that is fermented to make beer and whiskey