whiskey

1 of 2

noun

whis·​key ˈ(h)wi-skē 

variants or whisky

plural whiskeys or whiskies

1

: a liquor distilled from fermented wort (such as that obtained from rye, corn, or barley mash)

2

: a drink of whiskey

Whiskey

2 of 2

communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter w

Examples of whiskey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Alcoholic beverages Wine, beer, spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin, are all impacted. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Charles reportedly takes his orthopedic bed, personal toilet seat, preferred whiskey, and food when staying away from royal residences. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026

As mentioned before, this is a blend of four different whiskeys—bourbon, rye, American single malt, and wheat whiskey—aged between seven and 14 years and bottled at 110 proof. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

And of course, for those 21-plus, a boozy cocktail note like bourbon or whiskey. — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Irish uisce beatha & Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha, literally, water of life

First Known Use

Noun

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing whiskey

• blended whiskey
• corn whiskey
• Irish whiskey
• malt whiskey
• rye whiskey
• whiskey sour

Rhymes for whiskey

• frisky
• risky
• whisky

Kids Definition

whiskey

noun

whis·​key

variants or whisky

ˈhwis-kē 

ˈwis-

plural whiskeys or whiskies

: an alcoholic liquor made from grain (as rye, corn, or barley)

Etymology

Noun

from uisce beatha, a phrase in Irish (the ancient language of Ireland) and isuge beatha, a phrase in Scottish Gaelic (the ancient language of Scotland), both meaning literally "water of life"

Medical Definition

whiskey

noun

whis·​key

variants or whisky

ˈhwis-kē, ˈwis- 

plural whiskeys or whiskies

: a liquor that is distilled from the fermented mash of grain (as rye, corn, or barley) and was formerly used medicinally as a sedative and vasodilator