English Reference

Word

miller

Phoneticsmiller

US/ˈmɪɫɝ/

UK/mˈɪlɐ/

Definitions

01mill operator

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who owns or works in a mill, especially one that grinds grain into flour.

n. an individual who operates or manages a mill, particularly a gristmill for processing grain.

“The miller spent all day at the river, turning wheat into fine white flour.”

“Historically, the miller held a central role in the village economy, as every farmer relied on the local mill to process their harvest.”

Synonyms

02a type of moth

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a kind of moth that has wings covered in a dusty or powdery substance.

n. any of various moths with wings that appear covered in a flour-like dust, particularly those in the family Noctuidae.

“A dusty miller flew toward the porch light and left white powder on the glass.”

“The entomologist identified the specimen as a miller, noting the characteristic pale, powdery scales that easily rub off when touched.”

Synonyms

03a surname

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a very common English last name that comes from the job of making flour.

n. a common occupational surname of English and Scottish origin.

“Mr. Miller is our new science teacher at the high school.”

“The surname Miller remains one of the most frequent in the English-speaking world, reflecting the historical importance of the milling trade.”

Usage

Often found in literature, historical contexts, or as a common English surname.

Etymology

English surname, capitalization of miller. Doublet of Muller. Also compare Milner, Millward, Müller, Mueller, Mulder, Molenaar, Muenier, Molinaro, Molinero, Molnár, Mlinar, Mlynarczyk.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

This entry

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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
Frequency
Common
Level
C2 · Proficiency
Updated

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