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 Let’s Toast series, inspired by the ESSENCE column, centered the stories of Black folks making waves in the wine industry, in tequila, and those who’ve embraced sober living in their lives and businesses. —Essence, 8 July 2025

Two of the deals were for trolley wraps — one by Breckenridge Distillery and one by Dios Azul Tequila, which is the official tequila of the San Diego FC soccer team. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025

And for those craving a touch of indulgence, the Strawberry Thai Margarita, crafted with a ritual tequila alternative, provides a guilt-free twist on a classic. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Skip the tequila and this transforms into a refreshing hydration-boosting beverage. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025

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