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
Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Drinking at least eight alcoholic drinks weekly may increase the risk of brain injuries linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 7 May 2025
Randall Colburn, EW.com, 12 May 2025
Delia is a recovering alcoholic, after all, and with the scent Erivo could carry that past with her as well as a certain amount of freshness that comes with working on an apple farm.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
In an effort to help businesses bounce back from the pandemic, Santa Monica’s City Council approved a motion Tuesday that will convert its Third Street Promenade into an entertainment zone by allowing visitors to buy alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and drink them outside.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Drinking at least eight alcoholic drinks weekly may increase the risk of brain injuries linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 7 May 2025
Noun
Tracker's season 2 finale centers primarily on the disappearance of Bill Weaver (Brian Keane), a local restaurateur and recovering alcoholic.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 12 May 2025
Delia is a recovering alcoholic, after all, and with the scent Erivo could carry that past with her as well as a certain amount of freshness that comes with working on an apple farm.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 9 May 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 19 May. 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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