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 real reason for this is that Hart appeared in an ad for Patron earlier this year, a wise move for the tequila brand considering how the Finals turned out. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 June 2026

The liquid inside is a joven tequila aged 28 months in French oak vats from the Forest of Tronçais, curated by Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Craft cocktails, like the high heat margarita (tequila Ocho Plata, agave nectar, lime juice, jalapeño syrup and prickly pear syrup) are $10. —Jenna Thompson june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

His first sip — or rather, chug — of alcohol was a strong pull of tequila in the Knicks’ locker room. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 17 June 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