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
Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Typical cruises do include the cost of basics like your state room, meals in main dining areas, and non-alcoholic beverages like water, coffee, and tea.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Their father is an alcoholic, their mother is dead, and their relationship with one another is strained.
—Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
In recent years, the festival has expanded its offerings to attendees, including beers from outside the country, non-alcoholic beers, ciders and even some hard liquors.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Typical cruises do include the cost of basics like your state room, meals in main dining areas, and non-alcoholic beverages like water, coffee, and tea.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Their father is an alcoholic, their mother is dead, and their relationship with one another is strained.
—Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 31 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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