curaçao

noun

cu·​ra·​çao ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌsō 

-ˌsau̇, 

ˈku̇r-;

ˌk(y)u̇r-ə-ˈsō, 

-ˈsau̇ 

variants or less commonly curaçoa

ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌsō 

-ˌsau̇, 

ˈku̇r-;

ˌk(y)u̇r-ə-ˈsō, 

-ˈsau̇ 

or ˌkyu̇r-ə-ˈsō-ə

: a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the sour orange

Examples of curaçao in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At Harrah’s Resort Southern California, a cocktail made with grenadine, orange juice, citrus vodka mixed, blue curacao and a rainbow straw. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

The Alchemy was an amazing presentation of a martini glass filled with a citrus vodka blend, berry juices, curacao and oolong with a lemon twist. — Julie Jordan, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025

On the liquid side, offerings include Siren’s Whisper (white run, blue curacao, peach liqueur, $20) and Salty Seas mARRRgarita, also $20. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025

That said, the brandy influence from a curacao, like Grand Marnier or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, brought a welcome oak and vanilla influence alongside the orange, and makes the cocktail richer and fuller, with more meat on the bones. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Dutch curaçao, from Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Geographical Definition

Curaçao

geographical name

Cu·​ra·​çao ˌku̇r-ə-ˈsau̇ 

ˌkyu̇r-, 

-ˈsō, 

-ˈsä-ˌō

internally self-governing Dutch island in the southern Caribbean; chief town Willemstad area 182 square miles (471 square kilometers), population 150,563

Note: Curaçao was formerly part of Netherlands Antilles.