concoction

noun

con·​coc·​tion kən-ˈkäk-shən How to pronounce concoction (audio)
kän-
plural concoctions
1
: something (such as a food or drink) that is concocted from various elements : something prepared or devised by combining different ingredients
an elaborate concoction
This concoction is a cross between hot chocolate and a grasshopper, a mixed drink that gets its minty kick from crème de menthe.Kim Steckler
… the disc offers quite an unusual concoction of old and new songs that are surprisingly cohesive.Jon Hetman
2
: the act of process of concocting something
One of these young men had a rare faculty in the concoction of gin-cocktails.Nathaniel Hawthorne

Examples of concoction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Under California’s latest concoction, there will also be early March primaries in non-presidential years — such as 2026, when a new governor will be elected. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 While the television show functioned highly as a prude-free zone, the production led by the talented cast is solid, even though creators Richard Thomas and Stewart Lee’s concoction isn’t exactly high culture. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 One of its most popular concoctions is The Original, made with organic açaí layered with peanut butter, banana and granola. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 The fruit’s balance of tart and sweetness make for a tasty twist on classic cocktails or as unique concoctions that showcase strawberry front and center. Jillian Dara, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 The second scent, timed to Prometheus’s offering of fire, comes from a preexisting Cartier concoction, La Treizième Heure Eau de Parfum, a leathery, woodsy scent that reminds me of winter nights, furs wrapped around shoulders, dark skies punctuated by stars. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 The Blood Orange Garibaldi ($15) leads the lineup of brunch libations along with the Nutty Italian ($15), a bourbon, Frangelico and coffee concoction. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 The case also includes another creamy concoction, dal makhani, a dish with black lentils. Suhasini Raj Anindito Mukherjee, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2024 The drink menu has a dozen slushee drinks, hence the bar name, that can be mixed and matched to create various concoctions. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'concoction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of concoction was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near concoction

Cite this Entry

“Concoction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/concoction. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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