ethanol

noun

eth·​a·​nol ˈe-thə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

 British also  ˈē-

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid C₂H₅OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent and in fuel

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

Examples of ethanol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first stage converts sugars to ethanol (an alcohol) by adding yeast. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 1 Apr. 2025

The decrease is primarily attributed to lower selling prices for ethanol and by-products, despite a decrease in corn and natural gas prices. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025

The autopsy also found Harrison tested positive for caffeine consumption but tested negative for ethanol, nicotine, illicit drugs and prescription medications. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025

And a key one is the ability of ethanol to boost dopamine production. —New Atlas, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ethanol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• fireball
• gasohol
• guaiacol

Kids Definition

ethanol

noun

eth·​a·​nol ˈeth-ə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a colorless flammable easily evaporated liquid that is used to dissolve things and that is the substance in fermented and distilled liquors that can make one drunk

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

Medical Definition

ethanol

noun

eth·​a·​nol ˈeth-ə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid C₂H₅OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

see alcohol sense 1