tequila

noun

te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə How to pronounce tequila (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mia’s beverage program will include craft cocktails, craft beer, mezcal and tequila selections, international wines and Caribbean-style rum from Staunton and Ulcickas’s Catalina Rum Company. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025 The menu includes an Off the Record, a spicy tequila cocktail ($8), along with specials like $7 or $9 mini pitchers, $6 Gracie's Tax Beers and $5 well drinks. Felicia Campbell, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Clase Azul was founded in 1997 and has become one of the leaders in the luxury tequila space over the past few decades. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025 Cocktails highlight Southwestern spirits like mezcal and tequila, and staples like jalapeño, cilantro and lime. Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tequila

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Tequila, town in Jalisco state, Mexico

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tequila was in 1849

Cite this Entry

“Tequila.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tequila. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

tequila

noun
te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə How to pronounce tequila (audio)
tā-
: a Mexican liquor made from the fermented juice of an agave

More from Merriam-Webster on tequila

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