potion

noun

po·​tion ˈpō-shən How to pronounce potion (audio)
: 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 Eleusinian Mysteries, the annual rite honoring Demeter that was performed in Greece for nearly two thousand years, climaxed with the consumption of a potion called the kykeon, which was said to give participants visions of the afterlife and enable them to commune with their ancestors. Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 This traveling show blends smoke, elixirs, potions, bubbles, cauldrons, alcohol and mocktails for a unique drinking engagement. San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025 Their body parts, and especially their head, are used in potions or as charms to predict the future. Gerald Imray, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 Scents on offer include juicy mango, love potion, fresh cotton and sea salt, and thunderstorm. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 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 24 May. 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)

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