brew

1 of 3

verb

ˈbrü How to pronounce brew (audio)
brewed; brewing; brews
Synonyms of brew

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
: contrive
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 3

noun (1)

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

brewer

3 of 3

noun (2)

brew·​er ˈbrü-ər How to pronounce brewer (audio)
ˈbru̇r
plural -s
1
: one that brews
especially : one that manufactures brewed beverages (such as ale or beer)
2
: a utensil or appliance used in brewing beverages
a coffee brewer

Synonyms of brew

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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 (1) 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The collaboration has been brewing for months. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 June 2026 This gives us an opportunity to fire up the coffee kettle and brew still more cups of stimulation. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 25 June 2026
Noun
Enjoy a second cup of your morning brew and count your blessings. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 June 2026 Knickerbocker beer was a popular brew back then and sponsored some sports teams. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for brew

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English brēowan; akin to Latin fervēre to boil — more at barm

Noun (2)

Middle English, from brewen + -er

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing brew

Rhymes for brew

See All Rhymes for brew

Browse Nearby Words

Brevoortia
brew
brewage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brew. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brew

1 of 2 verb
ˈbrü How to pronounce brew (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of brew for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brew

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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