What Does “Stew” Mean

“Stew” means to cook food slowly in liquid, usually in a covered pot. It can also mean food cooked this way, like beef stew or vegetable stew.

People use the word “stew” most often when talking about home-style meals that are warm, thick, and filling. It can also be used as a verb, like when someone says they are letting something stew, meaning they are letting it sit and develop slowly—or they are thinking about something and feeling upset about it.

Meaning & Usage

As a cooking word, “stew” usually means to simmer meat, vegetables, or both in liquid over low heat for a long time. This makes the food tender and flavorful.

As a general expression, “stew” can also mean to worry, think deeply, or let a feeling build up.

Examples

“She made a beef stew for dinner.”

“The vegetables need to stew for another 20 minutes.”

“He sat there stewing about the argument.”

What is stew in cooking?

Stew is a dish made by cooking ingredients slowly in liquid until they become soft and flavorful.

Can stew be a verb?

Yes. “Stew” can mean to cook slowly, or it can mean to think about something upset or worried for a while.

What are common stew ingredients?

Common ingredients include meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, broth, and other vegetables.