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

While the event isn’t in Fort Worth, Wahlberg did visit the city a few years ago on a promotional tour for his tequila brand — Flecha Azul. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026

The Office Lounge offers a variety of signature cocktails, from $15 to $17, like the after hours (reposado tequila, orange juice, lime juice and agave), the work wife (tequila mezcal, strawberry purée, lime juice and Tajín). — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

Plus, there’s the signature unlimited tasting from more than 30 tequila/mezcal, beer and craft spirits brands. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

As Ivan and Nina walk, talk, do tequila shots and observe their fellow travelers, those travelers are also observing them. — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 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