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.
In the first act, a love potion instantly transforms contempt into adoration. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026 Add in a tray for late-night potions—or perhaps just a cozy cup of tea. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026 But famous actress Madeline Ashton and her best frenemy Helen Sharp are about to go too far…thanks to a mysterious woman named Viola Van Horn and a secret potion that’s to die for. Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026 The event will enable children ages 9-12 to explore optical illusions by experimenting with magnifying glasses and mirrors to bend light, create effects and use Oculus Quest VR headsets to brew potions, mix chemistry compounds and conjure creations. La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 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 17 Mar. 2026.

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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