stew

/stjuː/
nounBeginner
informal

a dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid

The stew was simmering on the stove all afternoon.

The dish was cooking slowly in liquid for several hours.

💡

Often made with beef, chicken, or vegetables and served with bread.

informal

to worry or be anxious about something

He was stewing over the bad news all day.

He was worrying and feeling anxious about the bad news.

💡

Used informally to describe someone who is upset or anxious.

Collocations

beef stewa stew made with beefvegetable stewa stew made with vegetablesstew overto worry or be anxious about something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

stew overphrasal verb
to worry or be anxious about something

💡Pro Tip

Cooking Tip

Stews are best when cooked slowly to allow flavors to blend.

Gold Rule

Usage Rule

As a verb, 'stew' is informal and typically followed by 'over'.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'stewen' (to sweat), related to Old English 'stēowian' (to sweat). The dish name comes from the cooking method in a closed pot.

📝Usage Notes

As a verb, 'stew' is informal and often followed by 'over' to describe worrying.

Word Breakdown

stew
to sweat or cook slowly
root
English Dictionary