ouzo

noun

ou·​zo ˈü-(ˌ)zō How to pronounce ouzo (audio)
-(ˌ)zȯ
: a colorless anise-flavored unsweetened Greek liqueur

Examples of ouzo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Taste traditional ouzo, farmer’s cheeses, and more in Greece With a diverse history spanning four millennia, Greece deserves its place among the world’s greatest purveyors of cuisine, from the rustic island farms of Aegina to the modern tavernas of Athens. AFAR Media, 29 July 2025 For years across social media, fans have been convinced that the cast of Mamma Mia! were drunk on set due to ouzo, a Greek aperitif. Francesca Gariano, People.com, 19 July 2025 First distilled by the Orthodox monks of Mount Athos over 500 years ago, the spirit is intimately tied to ancient Greek winemaking traditions and is the country’s most varied and cherished distillate, from which others—including ouzo—descend. Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025 Amenities: Restaurant, bar, pool, beachfront access, communal lounge areas, yoga pavilion Editor’s Tip: Try a traditional ouzo at the bar at sunset. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025 After dark, back at the port, Deste threw a free celebration: islanders and visitors danced to live bands on a stage as wine, beer, and ouzo flowed, and souvlaki sandwiches were handed out to all and sundry. Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025 What’s happening Greek Festival: The 47th annual event will include live Greek music, dancing, Greek beer, wine, ouzo and food. Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024 Join local residents at one of the many taverna and ouzo bars to watch a game and spark a conversation. Sucheta Rawal, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2024 Or to sip on a refreshing cocktail like the ouzo rose spritz or salty cucumber, made with tequila. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Modern Greek

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ouzo was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Ouzo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ouzo. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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