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 BarrettExamples 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
Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
Probiotic foods are fermented foods that can help with digestion and keep a healthy gut, along with improving inflammation and brain health, Shah says.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 30 Dec. 2025
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025
The secret weapon in question is bioactive keratin ferment, which manages to match proteins native to human hair while delivering vital nutrients straight to each strand’s cortex.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ferment
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Verb
Pop it into the fridge to chill out overnight, which allows the yeast to slowly ferment the batter for more complexity of flavor and texture.
—Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
Probiotic foods are fermented foods that can help with digestion and keep a healthy gut, along with improving inflammation and brain health, Shah says.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
Its patent-pending bioactive keratin ferment, a blend of lactobacillus, hydrolyzed wool keratin, and honey, fills in the micro-cracks left by chemical or thermal damage, reducing breakage and restoring elasticity after just one use.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025
The secret weapon in question is bioactive keratin ferment, which manages to match proteins native to human hair while delivering vital nutrients straight to each strand’s cortex.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferment. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.
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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