al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯ-lik 
-ˈhä-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
b
: containing alcohol
an alcoholic beverage
2
: affected with alcoholism
: a person affected with alcoholism
Examples of alcoholic in a Sentence
Adjective
a slightly more alcoholic wine
She has an alcoholic uncle.
Noun
Her uncle is an alcoholic.
one can be a social drinker without turning into an alcoholic
Recent Examples on the Web
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Leave coolers, alcoholic beverages and water bottles at home.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
His father was an illustrator, but also an alcoholic.
—Max Gao, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
Magic Kingdom’s Beak and Barrel explores a pirate theme with a storyline, an animatronic bird named Rummy, a limited menu (but with octopus tentacles), both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a time limit of 45 minutes.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Leave coolers, alcoholic beverages and water bottles at home.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
His father was an illustrator, but also an alcoholic.
—Max Gao, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alcoholic
1 of 2 adjective
al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik
-ˈhäl-
1
: of, relating to, or containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholic
2 of 2 noun
: a person affected with alcoholism
Medical Definition
alcoholic
1 of 2 adjective
al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik, -ˈhäl-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
alcoholic hepatitis
b
: containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholic
2 of 2 noun
: one affected with alcoholism
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