What does "pewter" mean?
An alloy of approximately 93–98% tin and 1–2% copper, and the balance of antimony.
Pewter
/ˈpjutɚ/ adj, noun, verb, slang
adj, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An alloy of approximately 93–98% tin and 1–2% copper, and the balance of antimony.
- Grammar: pewter is listed as adj, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: alloy, aureate, brass, brassy.
- Useful contrasts: bright, colorful, nonmetal.
- Usage evidence: A stoup of wine (for in those days it was served out from the cask in pewter flagons) was placed on the table, and each had his quaigh or bicker before him.
How to use "pewter"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pewter" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pewter" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "pewter" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pewter" is acting as adj, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An alloy of approximately 93–98% tin and 1–2% copper, and the balance of antimony. countable, uncountable
"the pewter plates on the dresser Caught and reflected the flame"
- 2 any of various alloys of tin with small amounts of other metals (especially lead) wordnet
- 3 An alloy of tin and lead. countable, historical, uncountable
- 4 Items made of pewter; pewterware. countable, uncountable
- 5 A beer tankard made from pewter. countable, uncountable
"The room was arranged by low wooden partitions into bays, where eight or ten men could sit together and rest their pewters and glasses on the narrow tables between."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A dark, dull grey colour, like that of the metal. countable, uncountable
- 7 Prize money. countable, dated, slang, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To coat with pewter. transitive
Adjective
- 1 Of a dark, dull grey colour, like that of the metal. not-comparable
Antonyms
Example
"A stoup of wine (for in those days it was served out from the cask in pewter flagons) was placed on the table, and each had his quaigh or bicker before him."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pewter"?
Common synonyms include: alloy, aureate, brass, brassy, brazen, britannia metal.
How do you use "pewter" in a sentence?
A stoup of wine (for in those days it was served out from the cask in pewter flagons) was placed on the table, and each had his quaigh or bicker before him.
How do you pronounce "pewter"?
Pronounced /ˈpjutɚ/.
Etymology
From Middle English peutre, from Old French peautre, from Vulgar Latin *peltrum (“pewter”), which is of uncertain origin. Possibly related to spelter.