whiskey

1 of 2

noun

whis·​key ˈ(h)wi-skē 

variants or whisky

plural whiskeys or whiskies

1

: a liquor distilled from fermented wort (such as that obtained from rye, corn, or barley mash)

2

: a drink of whiskey

Whiskey

2 of 2

communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter w

Examples of whiskey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In addition to local ales, Bountiful Valley will also sell a margarita and a Southern whiskey peach tea. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

In the opening pages of his book, How to Save the Media, McKenzie recalls drinking whiskey at the Chelsea Hotel alongside former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, who now publishes the popular Fresh Hell newsletter on Substack. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026

Woodford Reserve, which is located in the town of Versailles, has been making whiskey since the mid-’90s. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026

The waterfront features a whiskey distillery, green spaces and restaurants offering local delicacy options, like steamed crabs and crab cakes. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Irish uisce beatha & Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha, literally, water of life

First Known Use

Noun

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing whiskey

• blended whiskey
• corn whiskey
• Irish whiskey
• malt whiskey
• rye whiskey
• whiskey sour

Rhymes for whiskey

• frisky
• risky
• whisky

Kids Definition

whiskey

noun

whis·​key

variants or whisky

ˈhwis-kē 

ˈwis-

plural whiskeys or whiskies

: an alcoholic liquor made from grain (as rye, corn, or barley)

Etymology

Noun

from uisce beatha, a phrase in Irish (the ancient language of Ireland) and isuge beatha, a phrase in Scottish Gaelic (the ancient language of Scotland), both meaning literally "water of life"

Medical Definition

whiskey

noun

whis·​key

variants or whisky

ˈhwis-kē, ˈwis- 

plural whiskeys or whiskies

: a liquor that is distilled from the fermented mash of grain (as rye, corn, or barley) and was formerly used medicinally as a sedative and vasodilator