tequila

noun

te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə 

tā-

plural tequilas

: a Mexican liquor made chiefly from the fermented sap of the blue agave that has been subjected to two separate distillations

Tequila is a form of mezcal that enjoys a regional appellation—it must be produced in Tequila, Jalisco (a state in Mexico), entirely from the nectar from the blue agave plant.

—Justin Grant

The most important difference between fine tequila and ordinary tequila is that the good stuff is made from 100 percent blue agave—the desert succulent that is pressure cooked, then fermented.

—Food & Wine

Note: Tequila is often distinguished from other mezcals because it can only be made from the blue agave and has more restrictive guidelines regarding its production.

"We're going to offer wine, beer, cocktails, a lot of tequila and mezcal, and margaritas on tap," said [bar] owner Patrick Todd.

—Jordyn Noennig

Examples of tequila in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rum cocktails are available, as are gin, tequila/mezcal and vodka creations. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

The latest launch is a reposado tequila that was aged in Four Roses bourbon barrels, giving this Mexican spirit a nice Kentucky assist. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026

Shortly after the Clooneys welcomed their twins in 2017, George and Rande sold their Casamigos tequila brand for $1 billion to British beverage giant Diageo. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The bar menu also contains a panzona michelada, watermelon margarita and a mangonada slushie with tequila. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Tequila, town in Jalisco state, Mexico

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tequila

• tequila sunrise

Rhymes for tequila

• drosophila
• philomela
• sheila

Kids Definition

tequila

noun

te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə 

tā-

: a Mexican liquor made from the fermented juice of an agave