pint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “pint” mean?
A unit of liquid capacity, equal to 20 fluid ounces (approx. 0.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of liquid capacity, equal to 20 fluid ounces (approx. 0.568 liters) in the UK and 16 fluid ounces (approx. 0.473 liters) in the US.
Informally, especially in British English, refers to a pint of beer or the act of drinking beer in a social setting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The UK pint is 20 fl oz (568 ml), the US pint is 16 fl oz (473 ml). In the UK, 'pint' is strongly associated with beer and pub culture; in the US, it is a general measurement unit.
Connotations
UK: sociability, pub culture, relaxation. US: neutral measurement, but can imply beer in casual contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to cultural prominence of pubs and ordering beer by the pint.
Grammar
How to Use “pint” in a Sentence
[number] pint(s) of [liquid]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pint” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The pint-sized detective solved the case with wit.
American English
- She bought a pint-sized carton of ice cream for the kids.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in sales reports for beverages, e.g., 'We sold 500 pints of craft beer last month.'
Academic
Appears in historical or scientific texts discussing imperial and US customary units.
Everyday
Common when ordering drinks or buying dairy, e.g., 'Could I get a pint of semi-skimmed milk, please?'
Technical
In engineering manuals for fluid capacities, e.g., 'Add two pints of coolant to the system.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pint”
- Using 'pint' for any glass of beer regardless of size (e.g., a 330 ml bottle is not a pint).
- Assuming UK and US pints are equivalent in recipes or technical specifications.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A UK pint is 20 fluid ounces (approximately 0.568 liters), while a US pint is 16 fluid ounces (approximately 0.473 liters).
Yes, it is a general unit for liquids (e.g., milk, water, beer), but in British culture, it is most strongly associated with beer.
No, 'pint' is not standardly used as a verb. It is primarily a noun.
It is an informal adjective meaning very small, often used humorously to describe a person or thing of diminutive size.
A unit of liquid capacity, equal to 20 fluid ounces (approx. 0.
Pint is usually informal to neutral in register.
Pint: in British English it is pronounced /paɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /paɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sink a pint”
- “pint-sized”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a point (pint) where you measure your drink; in the UK, it's a point of social gathering.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PINT OF BEER IS A UNIT OF SOCIABILITY
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a common British idiom using 'pint'?