fer·ment
(ˌ)fər-ˈment 
fermented; fermenting; ferments
1
: to undergo fermentation
The wine ferments in oak barrels.
2
: to be in a state of agitation or intense activity
everything ferments in him—his thoughts, sensations, and memories; nothing stays quiet—
Janet Flanner
Janet Flanner1
: to cause to undergo fermentation
Yeast ferments the sugar in the juice.
2
: to work up (as into a state of agitation) : foment
fer·ment
ˈfər-ˌment
also
(ˌ)fər-ˈment
1
a
: a living organism (such as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes
b
: enzyme
2
a
: a state of unrest : agitation
b
: a process of active often disorderly development
the great period of creative ferment in literature—William Barrett
William BarrettSynonyms
Examples of ferment in a Sentence
Verb
The wine ferments in oak barrels.
Yeast ferments the sugar in the juice.
Noun
The city was in a state of ferment after the election.
the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the outcome of the referendum vote
Recent Examples on the Web
Kaila Yu, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Both spirits go through a process of cooking, fermenting, and distilling agave, but mezcal’s production involves a unique step: roasting the agave piñas in underground pits.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Jenny Berg, Allure, 1 Nov. 2024
Every product is formulated with their exclusive Commence Complex, a blend of alfalfa extract to support hair growth, quinoa peptides to add volume, acai stem cells for antioxidants that provide anti-aging perks and a Lactobacillus ferment, bio-fermentation technology that calms the scalp.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ferment 
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Verb
It’s complemented with garlic and fermented onion mayo, giving the dish its umami.
—Kaila Yu, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Both spirits go through a process of cooking, fermenting, and distilling agave, but mezcal’s production involves a unique step: roasting the agave piñas in underground pits.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Plus, skin-care mainstay Centella Asiatica (also known as cica) soothes and calms the scalp, while lactobacillus ferment, a probiotic, balances the microbiome to prevent inflammation.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 1 Nov. 2024
Every product is formulated with their exclusive Commence Complex, a blend of alfalfa extract to support hair growth, quinoa peptides to add volume, acai stem cells for antioxidants that provide anti-aging perks and a Lactobacillus ferment, bio-fermentation technology that calms the scalp.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ferment
Articles Related to ferment
Dictionary Entries Near ferment
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferment. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ferment
1 of 2 verb
fer·ment
(ˌ)fər-ˈment
1
: to undergo or cause to undergo fermentation
2
: to be or cause to be in a state of unrest or excitement
fermenter
noun
ferment
2 of 2 noun
fer·ment
ˈfər-ˌment
1
: an agent (as a yeast) that is capable of causing fermentation
2
: a state of unrest or excitement
Medical Definition
ferment
1 of 2 intransitive verb
fer·ment
(ˌ)fər-ˈment
: to undergo fermentation
: to cause to undergo fermentation
ferment
2 of 2 noun
fer·ment
ˈfər-ˌment also (ˌ)fər-ˈ
1
a
: a living organism (as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes
b
: enzyme
2
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