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
Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
No coolers, food, drinks, glass, frisbees, balls, portable speakers, alcoholic beverages or any smoking devices allowed
Patrons should bring a towel or blanket for the grass lawn
Inflatable toys under 5 feet are allowed.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Pete’s brother, a former hockey player who misses his glory days, is an alcoholic who cares for the family’s large mink farm.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
The tavern will be open to all ages, seatings will be limited to 45 minutes, and adults 21-and-up can enjoy a maximum of two alcoholic beverages.
—Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
No coolers, food, drinks, glass, frisbees, balls, portable speakers, alcoholic beverages or any smoking devices allowed
Patrons should bring a towel or blanket for the grass lawn
Inflatable toys under 5 feet are allowed.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Noun
Leonard was an alcoholic whose drinking began in high school.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Pete’s brother, a former hockey player who misses his glory days, is an alcoholic who cares for the family’s large mink farm.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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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