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
Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
Young claimed Eminem wanted Carey to portray his alcoholic mother in 8 Mile, despite being just four years younger than her.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2025
Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
James, who quit drinking three years ago, was a functional alcoholic for years.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
However, Asahi has been prioritizing orders for food and soft drinks, rather than its alcoholic drinks.
—Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
Young claimed Eminem wanted Carey to portray his alcoholic mother in 8 Mile, despite being just four years younger than her.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
The son of an alcoholic named George and a religious zealot named Augusta, Gein was raised alongside his brother Henry in a disturbingly strict household.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
James, who quit drinking three years ago, was a functional alcoholic for years.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 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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