sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ə-tē How to pronounce sobriety (audio)
sō-
: the quality or state of being sober

Examples of sobriety in a Sentence

They did a sobriety test on him. the sobriety of the situation
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.
My husband spent about 10 years in the throes of an addiction to street drugs, with periods of sobriety sometimes lasting more than eight months. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 Dane, too, has been open about his journey to sobriety over the years. Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 24 June 2025 The actress visited the Big Tigger morning Show to discuss her new movie Finding Faith and touch on her sobriety journey. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 18 June 2025 The film documented alarming bouts of rage and regret from LaBeouf, who was open about his sobriety struggles, and even touched on abuse allegations from former partner FKA Twigs. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sobriety

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sobrete, from Anglo-French sobreté, from Latin sobrietat-, sobrietas, from sobrius

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sobriety was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sobriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sobriety. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sobriety

noun
so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ət-ē How to pronounce sobriety (audio)
: the quality or state of being sober

More from Merriam-Webster on sobriety

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!