wort

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈwərt  ˈwȯrt 

: plant

especially : an herbaceous plant

—usually used in combination

lungwort

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

Using precise brewing techniques, but mimicking the traditional techniques used in Pajottenland, Blind Enthusiasm’s team of brewers always makes the same wort. —Don Tse, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Supplements that may increase blood pressure include licorice, bitter orange, guarana, Saint-John’s-wort, caffeine, and yohimbe. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026

Teams clustered around three cauldrons, coaxing different worts to temperature in preparation for fermentation. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Dec. 2025

Taking too many supplements or very high doses of certain supplements, including licorice root and St. John's wort, may cause damage. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 12 Nov. 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