verb

ferment

fuh-MEHNT

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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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ferments
Third person singular: ferments
Past tense: fermented

Test yourself on “ferment” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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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turn sour work zymosis fermentation zymolysis tempestuousness agitation unrest fermenting yeast

Related words

go work off number play become act turn

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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