metheglin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical/Literary/Technical (Brewing)
Quick answer
What does “metheglin” mean?
A spiced or medicated variety of mead, originally from Wales.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A spiced or medicated variety of mead, originally from Wales.
Historically, any mead flavoured with herbs and/or spices. In modern usage, it refers specifically to a traditional Welsh spiced mead.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally obscure in both varieties, but might have slightly higher recognition in UK due to its Welsh origin.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, tradition, Welsh culture, and often appears in historical or fantasy settings.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech or writing.
Grammar
How to Use “metheglin” in a Sentence
[drink/sip/serve] metheglin[brew/make] metheglinmetheglin [made with/flavoured with] herbsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, culinary, or anthropological texts discussing medieval beverages or Welsh culture.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in brewing circles, particularly among mead makers interested in historical recipes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metheglin”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metheglin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metheglin”
- Using it to refer to any alcoholic drink.
- Confusing it with 'mead' (a hypernym).
- Misspelling as 'metheglyn', 'metheglen', etc.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, metheglin is a *type* of mead. All metheglin is mead, but not all mead is metheglin. Metheglin is specifically mead that has been flavoured with spices and/or herbs.
It derives from the Welsh word 'meddyglyn', from 'meddyg' (healing) and 'llyn' (liquor), reflecting its original use as a medicated drink.
Yes, primarily by craft mead producers, historical re-enactment societies, and homebrewers interested in traditional or medieval recipes.
Almost exclusively in historical novels (especially fantasy), texts on medieval life or Welsh history, and discussions within the craft brewing/mead-making community.
A spiced or medicated variety of mead, originally from Wales.
Metheglin is usually historical/literary/technical (brewing) in register.
Metheglin: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈθɛɡlɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈθɛɡlɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
METHEglin is a MEDIEVAL MEAD with THYME (and other herbs).
Conceptual Metaphor
ANTIQUITY / OBLIVION (Something forgotten or from a distant past).
Practice
Quiz
What is metheglin?