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
The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
As ever's first alcoholic beverage was the 2023 Napa Valley Rosé, and the offering was announced in the June 20 restock of As ever items.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Leonard was an alcoholic whose drinking began in high school.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
There also might be cases where consumers are choosing between marijuana and alcoholic beverages, due to limited budgets.
—The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
As ever's first alcoholic beverage was the 2023 Napa Valley Rosé, and the offering was announced in the June 20 restock of As ever items.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
Protecting his sobriety is why tight end Darren Waller, a recovering drug addict and alcoholic — who has faced multiple suspensions throughout his eight-year NFL career — abruptly retired from the game last season.
—Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Leonard was an alcoholic whose drinking began in high school.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 13 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.
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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