alcohol

noun

al·​co·​hol ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl 

1

a

: ethanol especially when considered as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors

b

: drink (such as whiskey or beer) containing ethanol

c

: a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95 percent ethanol

2

: any of a class of organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1b(2)) compounds that are analogous to ethanol and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons

Synonyms

• aqua vitae
• ardent spirits
• booze
• bottle
• drink
• firewater
• grog
• hooch [slang]
• inebriant
• intoxicant
• John Barleycorn
• juice [slang]
• liquor
• lush [slang]
• moonshine
• potable
• rum
• sauce [slang]
• spirits
• stimulant
• strong drink
• tipple

Examples of alcohol in a Sentence

cough medicine that contains alcohol

drinks that are high in alcohol

There was a high level of alcohol in his blood at the time of the accident.

a mixture of different alcohols

The restaurant had a license to serve alcohol.

Recent Examples on the Web

The science behind the link between alcohol and cancer The relationship between alcohol and cancer has been clear to scientists for decades. —Nikki Crowley, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Forgoing alcohol entirely for a month has become a popular way to kick-start better habits. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

Luscious stone fruit and red apple aromas lead to a harmonious blend of alcohol and sweetness on the palate. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Park rental permits are required if there will be more than 25 people attending an event, if alcohol will be present and/or if the users are planning to use the district’s fire rings, fire pits or grills or are bringing a large tent, multiple tents or inflatable entertainment. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, powdered antimony, from Old Spanish, from Arabic al-kuḥul the powdered antimony, from kuḥl kohl

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing alcohol

• alcohol by volume
• alcohol use disorder
• amyl alcohol
• anti-alcohol
• butyl alcohol
• cetyl alcohol
• ethyl alcohol
• fetal alcohol syndrome
• grain alcohol
• isopropyl alcohol
• lauryl alcohol
• methyl alcohol
• polyvinyl alcohol
• rubbing alcohol
• vinyl alcohol
• wood alcohol

Kids Definition

alcohol

noun

al·​co·​hol ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl 

1

a

: ethanol especially when used as the substance in fermented or distilled liquors (as beer or whiskey) that can make one drunk

b

: drink (as beer, wine, or whiskey) containing ethanol

2

: any of various carbon compounds that are similar to ethanol in having one or more hydroxyl groups

Medical Definition

alcohol

noun

al·​co·​hol ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl 

1

a

: ethanol especially when considered as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors

b

: drink (as whiskey or beer) containing ethanol

c

: a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95 percent ethanol

2

: any of various compounds that are analogous to ethanol in constitution and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons