Brew

/bruː/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To prepare a drink, especially beer, by steeping, boiling, and fermentation.

/bruː/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To make (a drink, typically beer) by steeping, boiling, and fermentation.

He brews his own beer.

💡 Simply: To make a drink, like tea or beer.

More Examples

2

The coffee is brewing.

How It's Used

Culinary

"The master brewer meticulously brewed a dark, robust stout."

Informal

"I'm brewing some coffee."

2

A drink, especially alcoholic, prepared by brewing.

/bruː/

nounneutralBeginner
Drink

A drink, especially beer, produced by brewing.

This brew is very strong.

💡 Simply: A drink, often beer.

More Examples

2

He offered me a brew.

How It's Used

Gastronomy

"We enjoyed a fine brew after the hike."

Tip:Remember a good brew after a long day's work.
3

To be in the process of developing or forming; to begin to happen.

/bruː/

verbnegativeIntermediate
Development

To develop gradually.

A storm is brewing.

💡 Simply: To start happening or developing gradually.

More Examples

2

Conflict is brewing between the two countries.

How It's Used

Figurative

"Trouble is brewing in the Middle East."

Tip:Think of a storm brewing on the horizon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

brew up a storm

To cause a lot of trouble or excitement.

"She really brewed up a storm when she found out."

From Old English *brūwan, meaning "to cook," "to prepare." Related to brewing beer.

The word 'brew' has been used in connection with the preparation of alcoholic beverages since Old English times.

Memory tip

Think of a bubbling cauldron brewing a magical potion.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"To cook, to prepare"

Base: brew
strong brewweak brewbrew coffeebrew tea

Common misspellings

brewwbru

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written