noun

pewter

PYOO-tuh

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Pewter (noun) means a greyish metal alloy made mostly of tin, together with copper and antimony, used to make plates, tankards and ornaments. Example: “The vintage candlesticks on the shelf were made of pewter.”

noun

A greyish metal alloy made mostly of tin, together with copper and antimony, used to make plates, tankards and ornaments.

"The vintage candlesticks on the shelf were made of pewter."

"Collectors prize old pewter tankards found at antique fairs."

"The museum case held a set of pewter plates and cups."

adjective

Of a dark, dull grey colour, like the metal pewter.

"The sky turned a pewter grey before the storm."

"She wore a pewter dress that matched the evening light."

How to use pewter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dull grey metal, mostly tin, used for plates, tankards and ornaments.

When to use it

Pewter is a plain, everyday word used the same way in cooking, antiques and casual description.

Memory tip

Picture the dull grey shine of an old tankard to fix both the metal and the colour sense in mind.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

pewter tankard pewter plate antique pewter pewter grey

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The vintage candlesticks on the shelf were made of _____.

Etymology

Pewter comes from Middle English peutre, which came from Old French peautre, itself traced back to a Vulgar Latin word of uncertain origin. It may be connected to the word spelter.

Origin: French

Frequently asked questions

What is pewter made of?

Modern pewter is an alloy of mostly tin with small amounts of copper and antimony; older pewter often used lead instead.

What colour is pewter?

Pewter is a dark, dull grey, and the word is also used to describe that shade.

Is pewter mostly tin?

Yes, pewter is around ninety-three to ninety-eight percent tin, alloyed with other metals.

What is the meaning of pewter?

"pewter" (noun) means a greyish metal alloy made mostly of tin, together with copper and antimony, used to make plates, tankards and ornaments.