“Stew” means to cook food slowly in liquid over low heat until it becomes soft and flavorful. It can also mean a dish made this way, usually with meat, vegetables, and sauce.
In daily life, people use “stew” when talking about cooking a warm, hearty meal. You might hear someone say, “I’m making beef stew tonight,” or “Let it stew for a while.” It can also be used informally to mean thinking deeply about something or worrying about it for a while.
Meaning & Usage
As a cooking word, “stew” usually refers to food simmered slowly in a pot. As a verb, it means to cook food in this way. In everyday English, it can also mean to sit and think about something, often with concern or frustration.
Examples
“She made a vegetable stew for dinner.”
“The meat needs to stew for another hour.”
“He just sat there stewing about the bad news.”
Is stew a noun or a verb?
It can be both. As a noun, it means the dish. As a verb, it means to cook slowly in liquid.
What foods are used in stew?
Common stew ingredients include meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, and broth or sauce.
Does “stew” have a non-cooking meaning?
Yes. It can also mean to worry or think about something for a long time.
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