microbrew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Marketing, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “microbrew” mean?
A beer produced by a microbrewery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A beer produced by a microbrewery.
A small-scale, artisanal, or craft beer production system or the individual brewery itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar, though the term and the culture originated and are slightly more entrenched in the US. The related term 'microbrewery' is equally common in both.
Connotations
Connotes craft, quality, localism, and a more discerning consumer in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the earlier popularization of the craft beer movement.
Grammar
How to Use “microbrew” in a Sentence
N + of + [microbrew] (a pint of microbrew)[Microbrew] + V (this microbrew tastes hoppy)Adj + [microbrew] (a local microbrew)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microbrew” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to microbrew their own ale in the shed.
- He's been microbrewing for about five years now.
American English
- The local pub started to microbrew a fantastic IPA.
- We're looking into microbrewing as a small business.
adverb
British English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The microbrew scene in Manchester is thriving.
- They attended a microbrew festival last weekend.
American English
- The bar has a great microbrew selection on tap.
- Microbrew culture is huge in Portland.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing, hospitality, and food & beverage industry contexts to denote a premium, niche product.
Academic
Rare; might appear in papers on culinary arts, sociology of consumption, or small business economics.
Everyday
Common in social contexts, especially in pubs, bars, and among enthusiasts discussing beer choices.
Technical
Used in brewing industry publications and discussions to specifically denote beer from a small, independent brewery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microbrew”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microbrew”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microbrew”
- Using 'microbrew' to refer to the brewery itself (correct: 'microbrewery'). Spelling as 'micro-brew' (hyphen is often omitted in modern usage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. 'Microbrew' specifically implies a very small scale of production ('micro'), while 'craft beer' emphasizes the artisanal, skilled method. They are often used interchangeably.
Yes, informally. To 'microbrew' means to produce beer on a very small, artisanal scale.
A 'microbrew' is the beer product itself. A 'microbrewery' is the small-scale facility that produces it.
No, it is considered an informal, industry-originated term. More formal contexts might use 'craft beer' or 'beer from a microbrewery'.
A beer produced by a microbrewery.
Microbrew: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌbruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊˌbruː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MICRO (small) + BREW (beer) = a small-batch beer.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRAFT IS ART; SMALL SCALE IS AUTHENTIC (versus INDUSTRIAL IS MASS-PRODUCED/INFERIOR).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of the term 'microbrew'?