curaçao
noun
cu·ra·çao
ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌsō 
-ˌsau̇,
ˈku̇r-;
ˌk(y)u̇r-ə-ˈsō,
-ˈsau̇
variants
or less commonly curaçoa
: a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the sour orange
Examples of curaçao in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Alchemy was an amazing presentation of a martini glass filled with a citrus vodka blend, berry juices, curacao and oolong with a lemon twist.
—
Julie Jordan, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
On the liquid side, offerings include Siren’s Whisper (white run, blue curacao, peach liqueur, $20) and Salty Seas mARRRgarita, also $20.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
That said, the brandy influence from a curacao, like Grand Marnier or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, brought a welcome oak and vanilla influence alongside the orange, and makes the cocktail richer and fuller, with more meat on the bones.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2024
From Tapestry in New York City The Bluebonnet Ingredients 1.5 oz tequila blanco 1.5 oz fresh lime juice .75 oz Cointreau 1.5 oz simple syrup A few drops blue curacao A few drops grenadine Instructions Combine all ingredients and shake with ice.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 9 June 2023
Customers can customize their margarita by adding a Meltdown, which is extra tequila, or other liqueurs like blue curacao or sour apple.
—Audrey Eads, Dallas News, 21 Feb. 2021
Be sure to get a good-quality curacao like this one to ensure that bright blue hue.
—Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2020
The liquid takes on various hues — blue, yellow, red and clear — depending on whether curacao, spiced pear or wild strawberry liqueur has been added.
—Lori Rackl, chicagotribune.com, 6 Nov. 2019
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Julie Jordan, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
On the liquid side, offerings include Siren’s Whisper (white run, blue curacao, peach liqueur, $20) and Salty Seas mARRRgarita, also $20.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
That said, the brandy influence from a curacao, like Grand Marnier or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, brought a welcome oak and vanilla influence alongside the orange, and makes the cocktail richer and fuller, with more meat on the bones.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2024
From Tapestry in New York City The Bluebonnet Ingredients 1.5 oz tequila blanco 1.5 oz fresh lime juice .75 oz Cointreau 1.5 oz simple syrup A few drops blue curacao A few drops grenadine Instructions Combine all ingredients and shake with ice.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 9 June 2023
Customers can customize their margarita by adding a Meltdown, which is extra tequila, or other liqueurs like blue curacao or sour apple.
—Audrey Eads, Dallas News, 21 Feb. 2021
Be sure to get a good-quality curacao like this one to ensure that bright blue hue.
—Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2020
The liquid takes on various hues — blue, yellow, red and clear — depending on whether curacao, spiced pear or wild strawberry liqueur has been added.
—Lori Rackl, chicagotribune.com, 6 Nov. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Curaçao.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cura%C3%A7ao. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationGeographical Definition
Curaçao
geographical name
Cu·ra·çao
ˌku̇r-ə-ˈsau̇
ˌkyu̇r-,
-ˈsō,
-ˈsä-ˌō
internally self-governing Dutch island in the southern Caribbean; chief town Willemstad area 182 square miles (471 square kilometers), population 150,563
Note: Curaçao was formerly part of Netherlands Antilles.
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