Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hops

noun

/hɒps/

Definition

The flowers of the hop plant, used primarily in brewing beer.

Examples

Craft brewers often experiment with different types of hops to enhance their beer’s flavor.
The aroma of the hops can greatly affect the overall taste profile of the brew.
Some styles of beer are praised for their hoppy character, such as IPAs.

Meaning

Hops are the female flowers (also called cones or seed cones) of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus. They are used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in beer. Hops contribute bitterness to balance the sweetness of malt, and they add aroma and flavor during the brewing process.