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 2communications code word
—used as a code word for the letter w
Examples of whiskey in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
LeBlanc + Smith has expanded its Nashville footprint with several bar concepts, including Barrel Proof, an outpost of the New Orleans whiskey-forward favorite; the cocktail-leaning Love Alibi in the Gulch; and a forthcoming concept across from Kisser Restaurant.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
The study’s authors found that Canadian crackdowns on U.S. alcohol imports had consequences for Kentucky and Tennessee, both states with large bourbon and whiskey industries that are heavily exported.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
Not so for the federal ban on homemade whiskey, vodka and gin.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiskey
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Noun
The secret to being able to release lower-ABV barrel-proof whiskey is the entry proof—103, which is lower than the bourbon industry standard (usually between 110 and the upper legal limit of 125 proof).
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
LeBlanc + Smith has expanded its Nashville footprint with several bar concepts, including Barrel Proof, an outpost of the New Orleans whiskey-forward favorite; the cocktail-leaning Love Alibi in the Gulch; and a forthcoming concept across from Kisser Restaurant.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
The study’s authors found that Canadian crackdowns on U.S. alcohol imports had consequences for Kentucky and Tennessee, both states with large bourbon and whiskey industries that are heavily exported.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
Not so for the federal ban on homemade whiskey, vodka and gin.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiskey
Cite this Entry
“Whiskey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiskey. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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