What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grinder
Example
I need to use the grinder to crush these rocks into powder. [grinder: noun]
Example
She ground some fresh pepper using a manual grinder. [ground: verb]
Example
The knife grinder sharpened my dull kitchen knives. [grinder: noun]
mill
Example
The lumber mill processed logs into planks of wood. [mill: noun]
Example
She used a hand-cranked mill to grind wheat into flour. [mill: verb]
Example
The cost of the item was only a few mills. [mill: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grinder is more commonly used than mill in everyday language, especially in the context of coffee or spice grinders. Mill is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as lumber mills or steel mills.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grinder and mill?
While grinder is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, mill is more formal and often used in technical or industrial settings.
