Pestle: meaning, definitions and examples

kitchen tool

A pestle is a heavy tool used for crushing and grinding substances in a mortar. Traditionally made of stone, wood, or metal, the pestle is used in conjunction with a mortar to break down herbs, spices, and other ingredients into a fine paste or powder. It is commonly found in kitchens, laboratories, and pharmacies. The process of using a pestle and mortar is known as 'pestling' or 'mortar and pestle', and it is an ancient technique that has been used for centuries.

crusher, grinder, pounder

Examples of usage

• I used the pestle to crush the garlic cloves.

• She ground the spices using a wooden pestle and mortar.

• The pharmacist used a pestle to mix the powdered medication.

• In cooking classes, we learned the proper technique for using a pestle.