English Reference
noun · verb

stew

n. · v.
US /ˈstu/ UK /stjˈuː/ stew

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Cooking

    n.a dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid for a long time.

    n.a dish of meat and vegetables prepared by slow simmering in a closed pot with a small amount of liquid.

    Simple

    We had a thick beef stew with carrots and potatoes for dinner on a cold night.

    In context

    The chef prepared a traditional venison stew, allowing the tough cuts of meat to tenderise over several hours in a rich red-wine reduction.

    casserolehotpot
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Cooking

    v.to cook something slowly in liquid.

    v.to simmer food slowly in a liquid, typically in a covered container.

    Simple

    You should let the apples stew with some sugar until they are soft.

    In context

    The recipe suggests you stew the fruit gently to preserve its shape while creating a thick, flavorful syrup.

    simmerbraise
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to stay in a bad mood or worry about something for a long time.

    v.to remain in a state of suppressed agitation, resentment, or worry.

    Simple

    Instead of talking about the problem, he just sat there and stewed in his anger.

    In context

    After the heated argument, she was left to stew over his comments for the rest of the afternoon, growing increasingly resentful.

    fretbroodseethe
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.a state of being worried, confused, or nervous.

    n.a state of agitated excitement, worry, or mental confusion.

    Simple

    She was in a real stew because she couldn't find her passport before the flight.

    In context

    The sudden change in regulations left the legal department in quite a stew as they scrambled to update the contracts.

    ditherpanicfret
  5. 05 C1 Advanced InformalSlang

    n.a short, informal name for a steward or stewardess on a plane or ship.

    n.a shortened, informal term for a flight attendant or maritime steward.

    Simple

    My sister has been working as a stew for a major airline for five years.

    In context

    The veteran stew handled the unruly passenger with the calm efficiency of someone who had spent decades in the air.

    flight attendantsteward
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated