malt

1 of 2

noun

1
: grain (such as barley) softened by steeping in water, allowed to germinate, and used especially in brewing and distilling
2
3
malty adjective

malt

2 of 2

verb

malted; malting; malts

transitive verb

1
: to convert into malt
2
: to make or treat with malt or malt extract

intransitive verb

1
: to become malt
2
: to make grain into malt

Examples of malt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Maple Robust Porter, called a Canadian Mounties Porter, has flavors of dark caramel with moderate, and roasty malt notes reminiscent of fall and the change in the season. Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 9 Dec. 2024 Today the brand is owned by drinks giant Diageo, which has 30 malt and grain distilleries operating under its umbrella in Scotland to get whisky from, in addition to trading with other companies. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
America imports a significant amount of malting barley from Canada for use in brewing. Don Tse, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Not many distilleries have their own floor malting anymore, but back in Towser’s day protecting the barley as it was malted was a full time profession. Mark Littler, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for malt 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English mealt; akin to Old High German malz malt, Old English meltan to melt

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malt was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near malt

Cite this Entry

“Malt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malt. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

malt

1 of 2 noun
1
: grain and especially barley steeped in water and used chiefly in brewing and distilling
2
malt adjective

malt

2 of 2 verb
1
: to convert into malt
2
: to make or treat with malt or malt extract

Medical Definition

malt

1 of 2 noun
: grain softened by steeping in water, allowed to germinate, and used especially in brewing and distilling

MALT

2 of 2 abbreviation
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on malt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!