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

The hotel’s commitment to showing off local, small-batch liquors means that all standard cocktails, as well as most of the signature drinks offered at its three bars, feature in-state whiskeys, vodkas, gins, and bourbons as a base. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026

In March, the two added a whiskey library to the other side of The Marinello. — Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

At Old City haunts like Sazerac Bar, the beloved trio of whiskey, bitters, and sugars is still fervently poured into an Herbsaint tinged old-fashioned glass and garnished with a lemon peel. — Kristin Braswell, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026

Catoctin Creek’s flagship whiskey, the 80-proof Roundstone Rye, is made from 100% rye grain, much of it grown on Virginia farms. — Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 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