rum

1 of 2

noun

1
: an alcoholic beverage distilled from a fermented cane product (such as molasses)
2
: alcoholic liquor
the demon rum

rum

2 of 2

adjective

rummer; rummest
1
British, informal + somewhat old-fashioned : strange, odd
Now writing is rum trade and eyes are rum things, and what is all right one day is all wrong the next.Angela Thirkell
2
British, informal + somewhat old-fashioned : difficult, dangerous

Examples of rum in a Sentence

Noun a fiery sermon on the evils of demon rum Adjective They're a pretty rum lot. she wears staid business suits, but prefers some quite rum knickers underneath
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Aged rum: In addition to the white rum, aged rum adds great depth of flavor. Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2024 The rum most prized by devotees is grand arôme, which is generally described as the French equivalent of funky, high-ester Jamaican pot still rum. Tony Sachs, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024 Only a year after launching, the rum garnered a string of awards, including a gold medal in the premium category at the St. Barth Caribbean Rum Awards. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2024 These drinks might feature ingredients like spiced rum, whiskey, or dark chocolate, with flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg imparting a cozy feel. Emily Price, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 As an island that has spent over 400 years as a crossroads for sailors of all stripes – from British admirals to plundering pirates – rum has always been a spirited part of Bermuda’s history. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024 Overproof rum is a high-alcohol version of the Caribbean’s staple spirit—a little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it. Lelani Lewis, Saveur, 29 Feb. 2024 The Solar Mule blends dark rum with ginger beer and elderflower liqueur; the Snake Bite Eclipse features half a glass of Ciderboys hard cider topped with a dark pour of Quaff On! The Indianapolis Star, 1 Apr. 2024 This recipe is versatile as a flavorful mocktail by not adding rum. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The whiskey was distilled in 1989 and matured in ex-rum casks before being finished for three years in barrels that previously contained Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 9 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably short for obsolete rumbullion rum

Adjective

of uncertain origin

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rum was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near rum

Cite this Entry

“Rum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rum. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

rum

noun
ˈrəm
: an alcoholic liquor made from molasses or sugarcane

More from Merriam-Webster on rum

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