pestle

1 of 2

noun

pes·​tle ˈpe-səl How to pronounce pestle (audio) ˈpes-tᵊl How to pronounce pestle (audio)
1
: a usually club-shaped implement for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar see mortar illustration
2
: any of various devices for pounding, stamping, or pressing

Illustration of pestle

Illustration of pestle
  • pestle 1 (with mortar)

pestle

2 of 2

verb

pestled; pestling ˈpe-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce pestle (audio)
ˈpes-tᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

archaic
: to beat, pound, or pulverize with or as if with a pestle

intransitive verb

: to work with a pestle : use a pestle

Examples of pestle in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Transfer spices to a mortar and pestle and crush until finely ground. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 May 2026 Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool completely, then use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind to a fine powder. — Madhushree Basu Roy, Saveur, 30 Apr. 2026 An assortment of stone tools, including grinding slabs, mullers, pestles, and mortars, suggested that grain was processed on-site. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026 One of my favorite side dishes starts by rehydrating them, then pounding them in a mortar and pestle to release all that concentrated flavor. — Julie Lin, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pestle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pestel, from Anglo-French, from Latin pistillum, from pinsere to pound, crush; akin to Greek ptissein to crush, Sanskrit pinaṣṭi he pounds

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of pestle was in the 14th century

Rhymes for pestle

See All Rhymes for pestle

Browse Nearby Words

pestilentious
pestle
pesto
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

pestle

noun
pes·​tle
ˈpes-əl, 
ˈpes-tᵊl
: a usually club-shaped tool for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar

Medical Definition

pestle

noun
pes·​tle
ˈpes-əl also ˈpes-tᵊl
: a usually club-shaped implement for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar

More from Merriam-Webster on pestle

Nglish: Translation of pestle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pestle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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