stein
3 synonyms for stein, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large mug, typically made of ceramic or glass, used for drinking beer.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
tankard
beer mug
Etymology
From German Stein, "stone" — likely a shortening of Steinkrug, "stone jug," describing the material the mug was originally made from.
Full origin of stein →Frequently asked questions
What does “stein” mean?
The word “stein” means a large mug, typically made of ceramic or glass, used for drinking beer. In plain terms, a hefty beer mug, often with a hinged lid, closely associated with German beer halls.
How do you pronounce “stein”?
“Stein” is pronounced styn (/staɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “stein” in a sentence?
Here is “stein” used in a sentence: “He raised his stein and toasted the team.”
What part of speech is “stein”?
Depending on how it is used, “stein” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “stein” come from?
The word “stein” comes from German. From German Stein, "stone" — likely a shortening of Steinkrug, "stone jug," describing the material the mug was originally made from.
Is “stein” a common word?
“Stein” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stein” have?
“Stein” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large mug, typically made of ceramic or glass, used for drinking beer.
What is the difference between a stein and a regular beer mug?
A stein specifically refers to a large mug, typically made of ceramic or glass, used for drinking beer, and is often associated with traditional German beer culture. While any beer mug serves the same basic function, stein carries a more specific cultural and material connotation.
Is stein always used to describe a beer container?
No, stein can also be a surname of German origin, so context determines whether it refers to the large beer mug or is being used as someone's family name.
