# Brewster

/ˈbɹustɝ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brewster
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who makes beer, especially a woman. This is an old word that people rarely use today.

For teachers: a person who brews beer or ale; historically used to refer specifically to a female brewer. The term is now largely archaic or used in historical contexts.

## Examples

- The local brewster prepared a fresh batch of ale for the festival.
- In medieval English villages, the role of the brewster was often held by women who managed the household's fermentation needs.
- While modern industry is dominated by large corporations, historical records indicate that the brewster was once a central figure in the local economy of pre-industrial towns.

## Usage notes

- Historically feminine in gender, though often used as a surname in modern English.

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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.