root beer

noun

: a sweetened, usually carbonated, brown beverage flavored with extracts of roots (such as sarsaparilla or sassafras) and herbs (such as wintergreen) or with artificial flavorings

Examples of root beer in a Sentence

a bottle of root beer

Recent Examples on the Web

Be sure to sample treats from one or more of the area’s classic drive-ins and diners, including Donut Drive-In, open since 1953; Carl’s Drive-In, serving burgers and root beer since 1959; and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, which opened its flagship Route 66 location on Chippewa Street in 1941. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 12 Apr. 2026

But root beer still accounts for most of the sales, and Ronald said the recipe for success is simple. —Zak Spector, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Scream Queens vegan ice cream company will serve root beer floats and other food and coffee vendors also will be on hand. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026

The chain, an affordable option for people visiting the area and local high schoolers, was known for its hamburgers and root beer served in iced mugs. —Mario Cortez, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for root beer

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir

Kids Definition

root beer

noun

: a sweet carbonated drink flavored with extracts of roots and herbs