alcohol by volume

noun

: a measure of the concentration of alcohol in an alcoholic beverage
Last year, lawmakers passed a bill to allow those stores to start selling stronger beer, with up to 6 percent alcohol by volume, starting April 1, 2019.Peter Hancock
By law bourbon must be distilled at no higher than 160 proof (out of a potential 190; proof is double the percentage of alcohol by volume), but most bourbon makers distill at between 125 and 145.Corby Kummer
abbreviation ABV

Examples of alcohol by volume in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Campari is also significantly stronger, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 24% to 28%, depending on the country where it’s sold. Emily Price, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Zero proof beverages are generally drinks that have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of less than 0.5%. Rachel King, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 In order to be considered nonalcoholic, these drinks have to contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024 Ming River Baijiu is a clear grain alcohol known for its high alcohol content, typically coming in at 40% to 60% alcohol by volume. Clara Wang, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alcohol by volume 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcohol by volume was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near alcohol by volume

Cite this Entry

“Alcohol by volume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcohol%20by%20volume. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!