Word
grinder
US/ˈɡɹaɪndɝ/
UK/ɡɹˈaɪndɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a machine or tool used to crush something into small pieces or powder. You might use one for coffee beans, pepper, or even metal.
n. a device or machine used for reducing a substance to small particles or powder through friction or crushing.
Examples
“I use a small grinder for my coffee beans every morning.”
“The construction worker used an angle grinder to cut through the thick steel pipes on the building site.”
“While pre-ground spices are convenient, using a manual grinder allows the volatile oils to remain intact until the moment of cooking, resulting in a much more intense flavor profile.”
Examples
simple
“I use a small grinder for my coffee beans every morning.”
contextual
“The construction worker used an angle grinder to cut through the thick steel pipes on the building site.”
complex
“While pre-ground spices are convenient, using a manual grinder allows the volatile oils to remain intact until the moment of cooking, resulting in a much more intense flavor profile.”
Usage
Commonly appears in compound nouns such as 'coffee grinder', 'pepper grinder', or 'angle grinder'.
Etymology
From Middle English grinder, grindere, from Old English grindere (“one or that which grinds; grinder”), equivalent to grind + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/grinder