WordGarden.iomuster
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈʌstə/
US
- /ˈməstər/
Meanings
Verb
to gather or summon up people, resources, support, or courage for use
to assemble or call troops for service, inspection, or review
Noun
a formal assembly, inspection, or roll call of troops
Beyond the definition
To muster something—be it troops, courage, or even just enough energy—means to gather it for a specific purpose. Think of a general bringing soldiers together before battle, or someone finding the strength to face a hard task. It often suggests getting people, feelings, or resources ready for action. You might muster support for a cause, or muster all your willpower to resist temptation.
The word has roots in medieval times, referring to assembling troops for inspection. Today, it can also mean simply to manage to produce something, like "He couldn't muster much enthusiasm for the project." If you're feeling under the weather, you might struggle to muster enough energy just to get out of bed!
The word "muster" carries a sense of gathering, assembling, and bringing things into order. Originally, it referred specifically to the act of assembling troops for inspection or parade—think of a military officer calling his soldiers to attention. This historical context gives "muster" its feeling of formality and purpose.
However, over time, "muster" has broadened in meaning. It can now describe gathering anything together: resources, support, courage, or even just enough energy. For example, "The townspeople mustered a rescue team after the flood," or "She had to muster all her strength to lift the heavy box."
"Muster" also implies an effort to produce something that is not readily available. If someone asks if you can attend an event and you reply, "I don't know if I can muster the energy," it means you're not sure you have enough motivation or physical strength at the moment. Similarly, "He couldn't muster a single argument in his defense" suggests he was unable to come up with any good reasons for his actions.
A very common and essential idiom is "to pass muster." This means to be accepted as good enough or satisfactory. If your work "passes muster," it has been checked and found to meet the required standard. As a noun, "muster" can also mean a formal gathering or roll call, especially in military use.
So whether it's gathering forces, summoning courage, or simply finding the energy to face the day, muster is about bringing things together and preparing them for action—or at least, trying your best to do so.
Examples
- 1
Military assembly
At dawn, the captain ordered the soldiers to muster in the yard.
- 2
Volunteer response
The charity mustered dozens of volunteers after the storm.
- 3
Courage
She took a deep breath and mustered the courage to ask for help.
- 4
Low energy
After a sleepless night, I could barely muster enough energy to cook dinner.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Forced smile
He tried to muster a smile for the camera.
- Phrasemuster a smile
manage to smile when it is difficult
- 6
Political support
The proposal failed because the mayor could not muster enough support.
- 7
Reluctant enthusiasm
Can you muster up any enthusiasm for another meeting?
- Patternmuster up + feeling/quality
manage to find it when it is hard
- 8
Acceptance standard
The first draft is rough, but it should pass muster with the committee.
- Phrasepass muster
be accepted as good enough
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- musterverbnoun
Forms
- musteredpast tenseverbnoun
- mustering-ing formverbnoun
- mustersverbnoun