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

For something more casual, Pancho Villa is the long-time Mexican restaurant known for tacos and tequila. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

There, the hotel recently launched The Ballantyne Private Select Reposado, a one-of-a-kind tequila barrel created exclusively for the hotel by Casa Obsidiana and finished in French oak wine barrels. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

As is always the case with Clase Azul, the tequila comes in an eye-catching ceramic decanter that was hand-painted by artisans in Mexico. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026

Backstage, where shots of tequila are being poured and passed between adults, Wilson is continually checking in about the plan for his entrance. — Miki Hellerbach, Los Angeles Times, 1 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