# miller

/ˈmɪɫɝ/ (US) · /mˈɪlɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. mill operator

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a type of moth

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a surname

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The miller grinds the wheat into fresh flour every morning.
- Local farmers brought their harvest to the miller to be processed before the winter set in.
- Historically, the miller held a central position in the village economy, acting as the essential link between the raw agricultural output of the fields and the daily bread of the community.

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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.