microbrewery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Informal; common in business, food/drink, and lifestyle contexts.
Quick answer
What does “microbrewery” mean?
A small brewery that produces a limited amount of beer, often characterized by traditional brewing methods and local distribution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small brewery that produces a limited amount of beer, often characterized by traditional brewing methods and local distribution.
A business or establishment focused on craft beer production, often with an attached pub or taproom for direct sales. It emphasizes artisanal quality, experimentation with flavours, and serves as a focal point in local food and drink culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word and concept are nearly identical. The spelling 'microbrewery' is standard in both. The term 'microbrewery' is slightly more common in US business/legal contexts, while 'craft brewery' is a frequent synonym in both regions.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes artisanal quality, localism, and premium products. In the UK, it may also carry a slight connotation of being a modern revival of traditional ale brewing. In the US, it strongly connotes the post-1970s craft beer revolution.
Frequency
The term is slightly more frequent in American English due to the earlier and larger scale of the craft beer movement there, but it is very common and well-established in contemporary British English.
Grammar
How to Use “microbrewery” in a Sentence
VERB + microbrewery: run, own, visit, tour, start, foundADJECTIVE + microbrewery: local, independent, small, successful, newmicrobrewery + VERB: produces, brews, sells, operates, opensVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microbrewery” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trend to microbrewery one's own beer has taken off in sheds across the country.
- (Rare as a verb; 'to microbrew' is the standard verb.)
American English
- They decided to microbrewery a limited batch for the festival. (Rare/Non-standard; 'microbrew' is preferred.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The microbrewery scene in Yorkshire is thriving.
- He's a microbrewery consultant.
American English
- The city has a strong microbrewery culture.
- We're looking for microbrewery investors.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in discussions of entrepreneurship, the food and beverage industry, market trends, and small business finance.
Academic
Appears in studies of gastronomy, food sociology, local economies, and consumer behaviour.
Everyday
Common in conversations about dining out, hobbies (beer tasting), travel (visiting local attractions), and shopping.
Technical
Used in brewing industry publications, regulations (defining production limits for licensing), and trade journalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microbrewery”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microbrewery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microbrewery”
- Misspelling as 'microbrewary' or 'microbrevery'.
- Using it as a synonym for any bar that serves craft beer (it specifically refers to the production site).
- Incorrect stress: stressing the second syllable ('mi-CRO-brewery') instead of the first ('MI-cro-brewery').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A microbrewery primarily produces beer for distribution or sale off-site. A brewpub is a pub or restaurant that brews its own beer on the premises for primarily on-site consumption.
In modern usage, they are often used interchangeably. However, 'craft brewery' can be a broader term focusing on artisanal methods and independence, which may include slightly larger producers. 'Microbrewery' more strictly implies a small scale of production.
Yes, many successful global craft beer brands started as microbreweries. If they grow beyond a certain production volume (defined by law, e.g., in the US, 15,000 barrels per year), they may no longer be legally classified as a microbrewery but may still be considered a craft brewery.
Yes, it requires specialized brewing equipment like fermentation tanks, kegs, and bottling/canning lines. The scale is smaller than an industrial plant, but it is still a significant commercial investment compared to home brewing.
A small brewery that produces a limited amount of beer, often characterized by traditional brewing methods and local distribution.
Microbrewery is usually neutral to informal; common in business, food/drink, and lifestyle contexts. in register.
Microbrewery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌbruː.ər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.kroʊˌbruː.ər.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms with 'microbrewery'. The concept is itself a modern term.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MICRO (small) + BREWERY (beer factory). A tiny factory for making special beer.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEER PRODUCTION IS AN ARTISANAL CRAFT (vs. INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING). QUALITY IS SMALL SCALE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction of a microbrewery?