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potion

noun

po·​tion ˈpō-shən How to pronounce potion (audio)
Synonyms of potionnext
: a mixture of liquids (such as liquor or medicine)

Examples of potion in a Sentence

He drank the fatal potion. The hero in the play is given a magic potion so that he will fall in love with the princess.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The best body scrubs and exfoliators also create a smoother base so that all of my potions absorb more easily and more deeply afterward. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025 So, is coffee really a magic potion that will get your plant to flower? Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2025 Other actors on the show include Paapa Essiedu as potions master Snape, John Lithgow as headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025 Montespan’s rivals accused her of ensnaring the king using the dark art of potions. Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for potion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pocioun, from Anglo-French poisun, pocioun drink, potion, from Latin potion-, potio, from potare to drink — more at potable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potion. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

potion

noun
po·​tion ˈpō-shən How to pronounce potion (audio)
: a mixture of liquids (as a medicine or poison)
Etymology

Middle English pocioun "a mixture of liquids," from early French poisun, pocioun (same meaning), from Latin potion-, potio "a drink, potion," from potare "to drink" — related to poison

Medical Definition

potion

noun
po·​tion ˈpō-shən How to pronounce potion (audio)
: a mixed drink (as of liquor) or dose (as of medicine)

More from Merriam-Webster on potion

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