# brewing

/ˈbɹuɪŋ/ (US) · /bɹˈuːɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brewing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. a storm or trouble starting

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the start of a storm or a difficult situation.

For teachers: the gathering or development of a storm, or metaphorically, the onset of a conflict or crisis.

- The dark clouds suggested a storm was brewing over the mountains.
- There was a political crisis brewing in the capital, though the public remained largely unaware of the tension between the ministers.

### 3. preparing a drink

verb · CEFR B1

making a drink like tea or coffee by letting it sit in hot water.

For teachers: the act of preparing a beverage by infusion or decoction. This present participle form often describes the active state of preparation.

- I could smell fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen when I woke up.
- While the tea was brewing, she prepared the tray with lemon slices and honey for her guests.

## Examples

- The local area is famous for its traditional beer brewing.
- After years of working for a large corporation, she decided to turn her hobby of home brewing into a small business.
- While the technical aspects of brewing require precise temperature control, the metaphorical brewing of political unrest in the capital was far less predictable and much harder for the government to manage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.