pint

noun

ˈpīnt How to pronounce pint (audio)
1
: a unit of capacity equal to ½ quart see Weights and Measures Table
2
: a pint pot or vessel

Examples of pint in a Sentence

The ice cream comes in pints. I'd like another pint, please. We'll all go for a pint after work.
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.
One pool caters squarely to families with younger kids, anchored by a colorful splash park with pint-sized slides, tipping buckets, fountains, and a shallow wading area for toddlers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026 Procacci This pint-sized wine bar was originally opened by Leopoldo Procacci in 1885 and is now run by the noble Antinori family, one of Tuscany’s most important winemaking dynasties. — Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 Retailers Dorothy Lane Markets and Jungle Jim's will also sell pints. — Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2026 When the sun sets, the vibe is moodier and sexier, the room warmed by candlelight and tables furnished with pints of Guinness from the tap or glasses of natural wine. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pinte, from Middle French, probably from Vulgar Latin *pincta, feminine of pinctus, past participle of Latin pingere to paint; from the use of a painted mark on a container to show its capacity — more at paint

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pint was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing pint

Browse Nearby Words

pinstripe
pint
pinta
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pint. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pint

noun
ˈpīnt How to pronounce pint (audio)
1
: a unit of capacity equal to ½ quart see measure
2
: a pint container

Medical Definition

pint

noun
ˈpīnt How to pronounce pint (audio)
: any of various measures of liquid capacity equal to one-half quart: as
a
: a United States measure equal to 16 fluid ounces, 473.176 milliliters, or 28.875 cubic inches
b
: a British measure equal to 20 fluid ounces, 568.26 milliliters, or 34.678 cubic inches

More from Merriam-Webster on pint

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pint

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