English Reference

Word

stein

US/ˈstaɪn/

UK/stˈaɪn/

Definition

n. a large mug used for drinking beer, often made of thick clay or stone. It usually has a handle and sometimes a metal lid on top.

n. a large, heavy mug, typically made of stoneware or glass, used primarily for serving beer. Often features a hinged lid and a capacity of approximately half a litre or more.

Examples

“He ordered a cold beer in a heavy stone stein.”

“The festival tent was filled with people lifting their heavy steins and singing traditional songs.”

“Collectors often seek out antique ceramic steins decorated with intricate relief carvings and pewter lids, valuing them as much for their craftsmanship as for their utility.”

Examples

simple

“He ordered a cold beer in a heavy stone stein.”

contextual

“The festival tent was filled with people lifting their heavy steins and singing traditional songs.”

complex

“Collectors often seek out antique ceramic steins decorated with intricate relief carvings and pewter lids, valuing them as much for their craftsmanship as for their utility.”

Usage

Refers specifically to the vessel itself; often associated with German culture and beer festivals.

Etymology

Borrowed from German Stein. Doublet of Stone and Steen.

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

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference