alcohol

noun

al·​co·​hol ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl How to pronounce alcohol (audio)
1
a
: ethanol especially when considered as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors
b
: drink (such as whiskey or beer) containing ethanol
c
: a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95 percent ethanol
2
: any of a class of organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1b(2)) compounds that are analogous to ethanol and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons

Examples of alcohol in a Sentence

cough medicine that contains alcohol drinks that are high in alcohol There was a high level of alcohol in his blood at the time of the accident. a mixture of different alcohols The restaurant had a license to serve alcohol.
Recent Examples on the Web Lastly, wipe away the bubbles with alcohol for a texture that pops. Chloé Valentine Toscano, Allure, 27 Nov. 2023 The tests also detected the presence of prescription drugs that can adversely interact with alcohol. Karla Adam, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023 The charge was downgraded six months later to harassment, to which Gooding pleaded guilty after complying with a plea agreement that required alcohol and behavior modification treatment and no further arrests. Reuters, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2023 Between the hours spent outside and on the go and the often higher levels of alcohol and salty food consumed on a trip, keeping yourself hydrated is key (and that includes your lips!). Kaitlyn McInnis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 Heims said alcohol was not a factor in the collision. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Nov. 2023 Homendy said investigators will look at several factors, including roadway conditions; the weather; the accident history in the area; human performance, including distraction and fatigue, alcohol and drug testing, training and workload; and vehicle maintenance. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2023 Do not use creams and ointments with a lot of alcohol and water. Anthea Levi, Health, 14 Nov. 2023 Recipients are barred from using SNAP benefits for products such as pet food, alcohol, and household items such as paper and soap. Eden Villalovas, Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, powdered antimony, from Old Spanish, from Arabic al-kuḥul the powdered antimony, from kuḥl kohl

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcohol was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near alcohol

Cite this Entry

“Alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcohol. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

alcohol

noun
al·​co·​hol ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl How to pronounce alcohol (audio)
1
a
: ethanol especially when used as the substance in fermented or distilled liquors (as beer or whiskey) that can make one drunk
b
: drink (as beer, wine, or whiskey) containing ethanol
2
: any of various carbon compounds that are similar to ethanol in having one or more hydroxyl groups

Medical Definition

alcohol

noun
al·​co·​hol ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl How to pronounce alcohol (audio)
1
a
: ethanol especially when considered as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors
b
: drink (as whiskey or beer) containing ethanol
c
: a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95 percent ethanol
2
: any of various compounds that are analogous to ethanol in constitution and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons

More from Merriam-Webster on alcohol

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