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
Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
One was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025
Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025
Catt hires Paul Garcia, a recovering alcoholic recently out of prison for petty fraud, to manage her apartment buildings, becomes romantically involved with him, and then gets embroiled in trying to extricate him from the pincers of the criminal-justice system and debt.
—Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
Over time, alcoholic alternatives like wine coolers entered the marketplace and current trends indicate that many young adults drink less than previous generations.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
One was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025
Noun
AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025
Catt hires Paul Garcia, a recovering alcoholic recently out of prison for petty fraud, to manage her apartment buildings, becomes romantically involved with him, and then gets embroiled in trying to extricate him from the pincers of the criminal-justice system and debt.
—Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 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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