brew

1 of 2

verb

ˈbrü 

brewed; brewing; brews

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 

ˈbru̇(-ə)r

noun

brew

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms

Verb

• abet
• ferment
• foment
• incite
• instigate
• pick
• provoke
• raise
• stir (up)
• whip (up)

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

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

Verb

As the rains and winds associated with Alberto taper off on Thursday, forecasters already have their eyes on the next possible storm brewing in the western Atlantic. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 June 2024

Listen to this article The National Hurricane Center increased odds Thursday that a system brewing in the Atlantic off the Florida coast could develop into the season’s next tropical depression. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2024

Noun

Peet's Coffee is looking to send two lucky travelers to the brightest place on earth to celebrate the launch of its new — and brightest — brews. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2024

Join a celebration of family and community, enjoy a mix of brews and arts, go to a country music concert, attend a party that supports education or watch a science fiction film set to hip hop beats. —John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing brew

• home brew

Kids Definition

brew

1 of 2 verb

ˈbrü 

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 

ˈbru̇(-ə)r

noun

brew

2 of 2 noun

: a brewed beverage