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American hop

American hop

7.1
A climbing plant from North America with small cone flowers used for brewing
  • noun
  • /əˈmɛrɪkən hɑp/
  • US
translation icon : lúpulo americano
  • The American hop plant is known for its climbing ability.

Examples

  • Botanists studied the American hop to compare its chemical properties to those of related species.

  • Unlike the European variety, the American hop thrives in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains.

  • The American hop is often used by craft brewers for its unique flavor profile.

  • Many brewers prefer using American hops for their unique flavor.

  • Many craft beers use American hops to give their brews a unique flavor.

  • The brewmaster chose American hops for their strong aroma and bitterness.

  • In recent years, American hops have gained popularity among homebrewers for their distinct citrus notes.

Synonyms

hop
vsAmerican hop
  • Specialized
43 5.8

A climbing plant with heart-shaped leaves used to give beer a bitter taste

is the native North American form sometimes mistaken for the European one
Humulus americanus
vsAmerican hop
  • Specialized
9.9

A North American plant like the European hop but not used for brewing

is noted for being used in brewing as a native climbing hemp plant

Surface Forms

American hop singular
American hops plural

Morphology

American + hop

The phrase is directly compositional: 'American' specifies origin and 'hop' names the plant, so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a hop (a plant used in brewing) from America. This adjective + noun construction is a common, cross-linguistic pattern and does not require idiomatic knowledge.

Etymology

American hop got its name when early settlers found a wild climbing plant in North America that looked like the European hop and was used to make beer. Calling it American showed where it grew, so today the name means a native North American climbing plant 'used in brewing'.