growler
GROW-ler
/ˈɡraʊ.lə/
A glass, ceramic, or stainless steel jug used to transport fresh draught beer from a taproom.
Typically holds 64 US fluid ounces (approx. 1.9 liters) and features an airtight cap to maintain carbonation.
The story behind the word. In 19th-century America, workers carried draught beer from saloons in covered galvanized buckets. As carbon dioxide gas sloshed against the loose lid, it created a distinctive rumbling sound, giving the container its name 'growler.'
Word relationships
- howler: A howler is a half-size growler holding 32 fluid ounces.
Commonly confused with
- canteen: A canteen carries water for travel, while a growler is specifically pressure-sealed for carbonated draught beverages.
Collocations
- fill a growler
- growler fill
- glass growler
- 64-ounce growler
Example sentences
- "Before heading to the weekend barbecue, she took her glass growler to the microbrewery to get filled with IPA." Takeaway drink
Memory hook
If you don't seal your drink jug tightly, the escaping gas will GROWL at you. A refillable jug for draught drinks.
When not to use
Not a general personal water bottle or single-serving coffee mug.
Fun facts
- The modern screw-top glass growler was reintroduced in 1989 by Wyoming brewers Charlie and Ernie Otto.
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