al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯ-lik 
-ˈhä-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
b
: containing alcohol
an alcoholic beverage
2
: affected with alcoholism
: a person affected with alcoholism
Examples of alcoholic in a Sentence
Adjective
a slightly more alcoholic wine
She has an alcoholic uncle.
Noun
Her uncle is an alcoholic.
one can be a social drinker without turning into an alcoholic
Recent Examples on the Web
Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
From 2001 to 2023, global research firm Gallup reported a 11% dip in adults ages 18 to 34 who had at least one alcoholic beverage within the past week.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
But in a shocking development, Whitney uses this opportunity to apologize for calling her a pill-popping alcoholic.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
The shop carries non-alcoholic beer, tea, kombucha, and other nutrient-rich drinks.
—Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
From 2001 to 2023, global research firm Gallup reported a 11% dip in adults ages 18 to 34 who had at least one alcoholic beverage within the past week.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
But in a shocking development, Whitney uses this opportunity to apologize for calling her a pill-popping alcoholic.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alcoholic
1 of 2 adjective
al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik
-ˈhäl-
1
: of, relating to, or containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholic
2 of 2 noun
: a person affected with alcoholism
Medical Definition
alcoholic
1 of 2 adjective
al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik, -ˈhäl-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
alcoholic hepatitis
b
: containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholic
2 of 2 noun
: one affected with alcoholism
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