growler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Technical (brewing)
Quick answer
What does “growler” mean?
A person or thing that growls.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that growls; specifically, a small iceberg or a container for beer.
In modern usage, primarily refers to a large, sealable glass jug or bottle used to transport draft beer from a brewery or pub. Historically also refers to a small iceberg, a person who growls or complains, or a type of electromagnetic device.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'growler' is less common and may still be recognized for its archaic meanings (complainer, small iceberg). The 'beer container' sense is understood but less ingrained than in the US, where it is the primary meaning.
Connotations
US: Strongly associated with craft beer culture. UK: May sound slightly old-fashioned or ambiguous.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English due to the craft beer movement. Rare in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “growler” in a Sentence
fill + [growler] + with + [beer]bring/carry + [growler]buy + [a growler]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “growler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'growler' is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'growler' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'growler' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'growler' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'growler' is not used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'growler' is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the craft brewing industry for retail and marketing ('growler fills', 'growler pricing').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or nautical studies for the iceberg sense.
Everyday
Used when discussing buying takeaway beer from a brewery or pub.
Technical
Specific to brewing and beverage dispensing. Also a term in electromagnetism for a type of electromagnetic device (highly specialized).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “growler”
- Using 'growler' to mean a large bottle of any liquid (it's specific to beer/draft beverages). Confusing it with 'growler' as a slang term for something else (vulgar slang exists but is unrelated to the standard meanings).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it can sometimes be used for other draft beverages like cider or cold brew coffee. The term originated with and is strongly associated with beer.
The etymology is debated. One theory links it to the sound (growl) of CO2 escaping from a pail of beer in the 19th century. Another links it to the growling sound of ice against a ship's hull (for the iceberg sense).
There is no standard size, but the most common in the US is 64 US fluid ounces (approx. 1.89 litres), equivalent to about four pints. Half-growlers (32 oz) are also popular.
Generally no, unless you are writing specifically about brewing, hospitality, or historical nautical contexts. It is an informal, industry-specific term.
A person or thing that growls.
Growler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mind the growlers! (nautical, historical: watch for small icebergs)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bear that GROWLs while carrying a big jug of beer – a GROWLer.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR SOUND (the growl of carbonation escaping, or the sound of a person complaining).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern meaning of 'growler' in American English?