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

The Sunny Sipper Margarita is a tropical lover’s dream, with tequila (Don Julio, of course), coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and lime. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 11 May 2026

Guests can substitute tequila upon request. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026

The new spot will look and operate similar to its existing locations, though the team plans to launch a specialty line of Añejo tequila soon. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2026

Craft margaritas and other tequila-forward cocktails on the menu, too. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 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