grist

noun

ˈgrist 

1

a

: grain or a batch of grain for grinding

b

: the product obtained from a grist of grain including the flour or meal and the grain offals

2

: a required or usual amount

3

: matter of interest or value forming the basis of a story or analysis

4

: something turned to advantage or use

—used especially in the phrase grist for one's mill

Examples of grist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dam was built to power a grist mill and later a sawmill. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024

Haters become grist for the mill, emboldening fan armies to double down on their general’s behalf. —Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2024

And while names and addresses may be fairly common grist at this point, International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers are not. —Brian Barrett, WIRED, 16 Aug. 2021

One problem with recommendations as the grist for the digital content mill is that there are only so many things to recommend. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English grīst; akin to Old English grindan to grind

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing grist

• grist for one's/the mill
• grist to one's/the mill

Kids Definition

grist

noun

ˈgrist 

: grain to be ground or already ground