English Reference
noun

miller

n.
US /ˈmɪɫɝ/ UK /mˈɪlɐ/ miller UK spelling Millers

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 A1 Beginner

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

    a common occupational surname of English and Scottish origin.

    Simple

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

    In context

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


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.

This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Common
Updated