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

Notably, no ice or shakers are used and the alcohol is neither shaken nor stirred, creating a ninety-five-per-cent undiluted Martini, which, at this volume, functions as a kind of uncontrolled insanity. —Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2024

Visiting all 50 spots would make for one great North American road (and boat) trip—although that’s probably not the best idea when so much alcohol is involved. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2024

The friends were music (Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings) and alcohol (Jack Daniel’s), and staying home with them spoke volumes. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2024

There is no alcohol served to these ticket holders. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 24 Apr. 2024

Investigators are awaiting tests measuring her blood alcohol levels. —Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024

Councilmember Chuck Bongiovanni told the Arizona Republic, that the ordinances would add punishment to parents who host parties of minors where alcohol is served. —Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024

There are no special taxes on these products, as there are on cigarettes or alcohol — or in some states, legal marijuana. —John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination | Amy Yurkanin, Al.com, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

Drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been contributing factors, the La Habra Police Department said. —Mona Darwish, Orange County Register, 11 Apr. 2024

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