verb

ferment

fuh-MEHNT

Ferment (verb) means to undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid. Example: “The grape juice was left to ferment in oak barrels for a year.”

verb

To undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid.

"The grape juice was left to ferment in oak barrels for a year."

"Cabbage ferments naturally to become sauerkraut."

To stir up unrest, excitement, or trouble.

"Rumours of layoffs began to ferment discontent among the staff."

noun

A state of excitement, agitation, or unrest.

"The country was in a ferment of political change."

How to use ferment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe chemical process where yeast or bacteria break down sugars — used literally for brewing/food, and figuratively for stirred-up unrest.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "foment," which means to deliberately stir up trouble — ferment as a verb can happen naturally, foment implies someone actively causing it.

Easily confused with

foment →

Common pairings

left to ferment a ferment of ideas ferment discontent

Word forms

fermented past tense, ferments plural, ferments singular

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The grape juice was left to _____ in oak barrels for a year.

Etymology

From Latin fermentum, "substance that causes fermenting," related to fervere, "to boil" — the same root behind fervent.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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yeast

Related words

yeast

Rhymes for ferment

interment betterment empowerment endangerment dismemberment

See all rhymes for ferment →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ferment” mean?

The word “ferment” means to undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid. In plain terms, the chemical process where yeast or bacteria break down sugars — used literally for brewing/food, and figuratively for stirred-up unrest.

How do you pronounce “ferment”?

“Ferment” is pronounced fuh-MEHNT (/fɚˈmɛnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “ferment” in a sentence?

Here is “ferment” used in a sentence: “The grape juice was left to ferment in oak barrels for a year.”

What is another word for “ferment”?

Words with a similar meaning to “ferment” include yeast.

What part of speech is “ferment”?

Depending on how it is used, “ferment” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “ferment” come from?

The word “ferment” comes from Latin. From Latin fermentum, "substance that causes fermenting," related to fervere, "to boil" — the same root behind fervent.

How many meanings does “ferment” have?

“Ferment” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid.

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