noun

wort

wurt

Wort (noun) means a plant, especially one used for food or medicine — often the second half of a plant's name, as in "St. John's wort.". Example: “Herbalists have used liverwort for centuries.”

noun

A plant, especially one used for food or medicine — often the second half of a plant's name, as in "St. John's wort."

"Herbalists have used liverwort for centuries."

The sweet liquid extracted from mashed malt or grain before it's fermented into beer or whisky.

"The brewer checked the wort's sugar level before adding yeast."

How to use wort

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an old word for a plant/herb, or the unfermented liquid used in brewing beer.

Common pairings

boil the wort St. John's wort

Word forms

worts plural, worts plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The brewer checked the _____'s sugar level before adding yeast.

Etymology

From Old English wyrt, meaning "root, herb, or plant" — the same root as "root" itself and related to "orchard."

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for wort

port tort sort mort fort Cort short sport snort

See all rhymes for wort →

Frequently asked questions

What does “wort” mean?

The word “wort” means a plant, especially one used for food or medicine — often the second half of a plant's name, as in "St. John's wort.". In plain terms, either an old word for a plant/herb, or the unfermented liquid used in brewing beer.

How do you pronounce “wort”?

“Wort” is pronounced wurt (/wɝt/ in IPA).

How do you use “wort” in a sentence?

Here is “wort” used in a sentence: “Herbalists have used liverwort for centuries.”

What part of speech is “wort”?

“Wort” is a noun.

Where does the word “wort” come from?

The word “wort” comes from Old English. From Old English wyrt, meaning "root, herb, or plant" — the same root as "root" itself and related to "orchard.".

How many meanings does “wort” have?

“Wort” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plant, especially one used for food or medicine — often the second half of a plant's name, as in "St. John's wort.".