Word: Mill

Pronunciation

/mɪl/

Definitions

• Noun (n): A building or establishment equipped with machinery for grinding grain into flour or for processing other materials like paper, textiles, or metals. For example: “The old watermill still stands by the riverbank.”
• Noun (n): A machine used for grinding, crushing, or pulverizing, especially one that grinds grain into flour. For instance: “They restored the antique stone mill.”
• Noun (n): A factory or workshop where manufacturing takes place, often using heavy machinery. Example: “The steel mill employed many workers in the town.”
• Verb (v): To grind, crush, or process something using a mill. Example: “We mill our own wheat to make bread.”
• Verb (v): To move around in a circle, often repeatedly, typically in a confused or aimless manner. Example: “The children were milling about in the playground.”
• Verb (v): In sports, to maneuver an opponent strategically so as to create advantageous positioning. Example: “The quarterback successfully milled the defense before throwing the touchdown pass.”

Phrases

• “Put through the mill”: To subject someone or something to a series of difficult tests or treatments. Example: “The new recruits were put through their paces at boot camp.”
• “Run of the mill”: Average or ordinary; not exceptional. Example: “This restaurant serves run-of-the-mill food but it’s quite affordable.”

Example Sentences

• Noun (as a building): “The village relied on the old mill for its daily bread.”
• Noun (as a machine): “The farmer feeds the corn into the mill to produce cornmeal.”
• Verb: “The farmer mills his grains to ensure the highest quality flour for his bakery.”
• Verb (moving around): “After the concert, fans were milling outside the venue hoping for autographs.”
• Sports usage: “The basketball player expertly milled around defenders to get an open shot.”

Synonyms

• Grinder (for the machine)
• Factory (for the industrial establishment)
• Process (for the action of grinding or processing)
• Crowd (in the context of people moving around in a group)

Note: The synonyms provided may vary depending on the specific context in which the word “mill” is being used.