spiritous

adjective

spir·​it·​ous ˈspir-ə-təs How to pronounce spiritous (audio)
1
archaic : pure, refined
2

Examples of spiritous in a Sentence

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.
Boulevardiers — a spiritous version of a Negroni, with bourbon standing in for gin, is my favorite classic cocktail for the colder months. Jessica Battilana, San Francisco Chronicle, 30 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiritous was in 1684

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spiritous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiritous. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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