alcohol by volume

noun

: a measure of the concentration of alcohol in an alcoholic beverage

Last year, lawmakers passed a bill to allow those stores to start selling stronger beer, with up to 6 percent alcohol by volume, starting April 1, 2019.

—Peter Hancock

By law bourbon must be distilled at no higher than 160 proof (out of a potential 190; proof is double the percentage of alcohol by volume), but most bourbon makers distill at between 125 and 145.

—Corby Kummer

—abbreviation ABV

Examples of alcohol by volume in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This alcohol-free beverage contains 0% alcohol by volume and 29 calories per serving, positioning it as a lower-calorie alternative within its category. —Rachel King, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

The drinks have an alcohol by volume of 5% and come in a mixed pack and a six-pack of the slightly sweet option. —Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Feb. 2024

Simply place your bottle of vodka, rum, tequila—any spirit with more than 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 80 proof—in the freezer. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024

This spritz recipe skips the liqueur or aperitif to keep it very low-ABV (alcohol by volume). —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above