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 portfolio today is mostly in higher-growth, higher-margin brands including Robert Mondavi, Kim Crawford, High West whiskey, Nelson's Green Brier whiskey, Mi CAMPO tequila, Casa Noble tequila, and others. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2026

But that’s a good thing, because the whiskey has turned into a rich and decadent sipper that would be great to pair with dessert. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2026

The whiskey was developed to honor the nonprofit Folds of Honor. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2026

In addition to local ales, Bountiful Valley will also sell a margarita and a Southern whiskey peach tea. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 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