spiritous

adjective

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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 And the maple hammer, this menu’s dark-bitter-spiritous entry, is rich in flavor, with the deep notes of maple and walnut trailing the finish. Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spiritous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiritous was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near spiritous

Cite this Entry

“Spiritous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiritous. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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