pewter

noun

pew·​ter ˈpyü-tər 

1

: any of various alloys having tin as chief component

especially : a dull alloy with lead formerly used for domestic utensils

2

: utensils of pewter

3

: a bluish gray

pewter adjective

Examples of pewter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hundreds of items—including a cannonball, spectacles, a pewter bowl, and twenty-six unopened bottles of wine—had already been excavated. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

The Maker’s ribbed glass feels like a whiskey tumbler, perfect for storing trinkets after the wax is gone, while Mad et Len’s instantly recognizable pewter containers with thoughtful lids have an alchemical feel. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

Richard orders lever-style handles and deadbolts in antique pewter. —Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024

Each bottle is topped with a pewter pig, styled after the Indian elephant as a nod to the team’s experience in India. —Rachel King, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French peutre, from Vulgar Latin *piltrum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pewter

noun

pew·​ter ˈpyüt-ər 

1

: any of various metallic substances made mostly of tin

especially : a dull metallic substance containing lead formerly used for utensils

2

: utensils made of pewter

pewter adjective