white lightning

noun

Definition of white lightningnext
as in alcohol
illegally produced liquor college students secretly mixing up a batch of white lightning in the school lab

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of white lightning One, the stereotype is as dated as Moon Pies and white lightning. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 11 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for white lightning
  1. alcohol
  2. booze
  3. bootleg
Noun
  • The risk that alcohol consumption will recover slowly strengthens the case for diversification.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • According to the suit, Jane Doe was beset by seven men while she was incapacitated by drugs and alcohol.
    — Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • In the action movie, the cops usually have to bribe the person with access to the surveillance tool with cookies and booze to run a search without a warrant, right?
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Not a pushover but a practical-minded realist, the chef takes the punches, striking up a booze-smuggling deal with the Americans to keep the orphans living in his restaurant safe.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • The Food and Drug Administration received reports in recent months that two people died after taking bootleg versions of an experimental weight-loss drug, according to documents reviewed by CBS News.
    — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Micro-ripstop jackets, a packable poncho, pleated cargo trousers, stretch double-jersey tops, skirts, bootleg trousers, performance shorts, technical jerseys and French terry hoodies round out the apparel range.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of bootleg

Browse Nearby Words

white knights
white lightning
white lightnings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“White lightning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/white%20lightning. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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