meths: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency (C2)Informal/Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “meths” mean?
A short, informal form of 'methylated spirit' or 'methylated spirits' in British English.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, informal form of 'methylated spirit' or 'methylated spirits' in British English.
As a colloquial noun, it can refer specifically to the denatured ethanol used as a fuel, solvent, or cleaning fluid. It is never a plural countable noun (the 's' is part of the word).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually exclusive to British and Commonwealth English. The American equivalent term is 'denatured alcohol' or 'methyl alcohol' (though chemically not identical).
Connotations
In the UK, it primarily connotes a utility fluid (e.g., for camping stoves, cleaning paint brushes). The misuse connotation is also present but secondary.
Frequency
Common in UK informal contexts relating to DIY, camping, or cleaning. Rare to non-existent in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “meths” in a Sentence
[VERB] + meths: use, clean with, pour, light[NOUN] + of + meths: a bottle, a tin, a splashVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meths” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He used a meths-soaked rag to clean the surface.
- They took a meths burner on the camping trip.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in trade contexts for solvents or fuels.
Academic
Rare, except in historical or social studies discussing substance misuse.
Everyday
Common in UK DIY, camping, and cleaning contexts.
Technical
Used in chemistry and industrial contexts, though 'denatured ethanol' is more precise.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meths”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meths”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meths”
- Treating it as a plural countable noun (e.g., 'two meths'). It is a mass noun.
- Confusing it with 'meth' (methamphetamine).
- Using it in formal writing where 'methylated spirit' is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. 'Meths' is a short form for methylated spirits, a denatured alcohol used as a solvent or fuel. 'Meth' is slang for the illegal drug methamphetamine.
No. 'Meths' is a mass noun (uncountable). You should say 'some meths', 'a bottle of meths', or 'a little meths'.
Virtually never. Americans would say 'denatured alcohol' or 'rubbing alcohol' for similar, though not identical, products.
It's a clipped form of 'methylated spirits', where the 's' was part of the original full term. Similar to 'maths' from 'mathematics'.
A short, informal form of 'methylated spirit' or 'methylated spirits' in British English.
Meths is usually informal/colloquial in register.
Meths: in British English it is pronounced /mɛθs/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɛθs/ (The word is not standard in American English, but this would be the pronunciation if used.). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'METH'S' as short for 'METH-ylated SpiritS' – the 'S' is part of the abbreviation, not a plural.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING/CHEAP FUEL SOURCE (It is a utilitarian, often cheap, liquid for practical tasks.)
Practice
Quiz
What is 'meths' primarily used for in everyday British English?