pewter

American  

[pyoo-ter] / ˈpyu tər /

noun

1. any of various alloys in which tin is the chief constituent, originally one of tin and lead.

2. a container or utensil made of such an alloy.

3. such utensils collectively.

   a revival of interest in pewter.

4. British Slang.

   1. a cup awarded as a prize or trophy, as in a sporting event.

   2. prize money.

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adjective

1. consisting or made of pewter.

   a pewter mug.

pewter British  

/ ˈpjuːtə /

noun

1. 1. any of various alloys containing tin (80–90 per cent), lead (10–20 per cent), and sometimes small amounts of other metals, such as copper and antimony

   2. ( as modifier )

      pewter ware

      a pewter tankard

2. 1. a bluish-grey colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      pewter tights

3. plate or kitchen utensils made from pewter

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Other Word Forms

• pewterer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of pewter

1325–75; Middle English pewtre < Middle French peutre < Vulgar Latin *piltrum; perhaps akin to spelter

Explanation

Pewter is a silver-colored metal that's been used for decorative objects and plates, cups, and bowls since ancient times. It was once common to use pewter to make lidded tankards for drinking and large cauldrons for cooking. Pewter is a metal alloy, which means it's a combination of several kinds of metal. There's always tin and copper in pewter, and it once commonly included lead, which we now know is dangerous for humans to consume. As a result, much antique pewter tableware isn't considered safe to use, although it's an attractive decoration. Pewter made today doesn't contain lead, but it's still most often used in candlesticks, picture frames, and other decorative objects.

Example Sentences

Alex Pewter at the FYP podcast sees winger Daniel Munoz as crucial to Palace's success.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

"Daniel Munoz remains the team's key player," Pewter said.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

Matt Parker, head of sales at Danforth Pewter, a workshop and retail business that sells ornaments and home decor, agreed with that assessment.

From Washington Post • Nov. 10, 2021

When Pewter connected, the malware exploited a flaw in his browser, forcing his computer to reveal its true Internet protocol address.

From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2016

Pewter tankards, clay cups, and iron-banded drinking horns clashed together.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin