English Reference
Noun

grower

n. countable
C1 Advanced US /ˈɡɹoʊɝ/ UK /ɡɹˈəʊɐ/ grow·er UK spelling growers

n.something or someone that you do not like at first, but you start to like more as you spend time with them. It is often used to talk about music or people that take time to appreciate.

n.a person or thing that initially fails to impress but gradually gains one's appreciation or affection over time. Frequently applied to creative works like albums or films.


SIMPLE

I didn't like the song at first, but it's a real grower.

CONTEXTUAL

The new lead singer was a grower; fans were skeptical at first but loved him by the tour's end.

COMPLEX

While the film's slow pacing initially alienated test audiences, it proved to be a grower, eventually achieving cult status as viewers discovered the subtle layers of the script upon repeat viewings.

Usage

Typically used with the indefinite article 'a' in the predicate of a sentence.

One grower who normally produces 200 tonnes is "down to about 30", he adds.

BBC News· 25 Aug 2026

Growers are reporting that their water reserves are depleted, Vanpoperinghe said, which means the cauliflower and broccoli family of brassicas will experience slower growth, leading to shorter supplies.

BBC News· 11 Aug 2026

Common in science and business writing

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated