alcoholic

1 of 2

adjective

al·​co·​hol·​ic ˌal-kə-ˈhȯ-lik How to pronounce alcoholic (audio)
-ˈhä-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
b
: containing alcohol
an alcoholic beverage
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholically adverb

alcoholic

2 of 2

noun

: a person affected with alcoholism

Examples of alcoholic in a Sentence

Adjective a slightly more alcoholic wine She has an alcoholic uncle. Noun Her uncle is an alcoholic. one can be a social drinker without turning into an alcoholic
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The products listed in the first round of tariffs for Canada cover a diverse range which includes: cereal, flour, starch and milk products; wood; appliances; rubbers; alcoholic beverages; carpets and floor coverings; wool, cotton and fabric; books; and cork. Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Pressed on what regulations needed changing, Carter spoke directly to ordinances governing the serving of alcoholic beverages. Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
Although children of alcoholics are four times as likely as others to become alcoholics, half of them won’t have any issues. Kristen Mascia, Parents, 4 Mar. 2025 Decades later Anna Lyda, an alcoholic, was drunk in bed when a cigarette ignited the mattress and burned her to death. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alcoholic

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcoholic was in 1789

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

alcoholic

1 of 2 adjective
al·​co·​hol·​ic ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik How to pronounce alcoholic (audio)
-ˈhäl-
1
: of, relating to, or containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholically adverb

alcoholic

2 of 2 noun
: a person affected with alcoholism

Medical Definition

alcoholic

1 of 2 adjective
al·​co·​hol·​ic ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik, -ˈhäl- How to pronounce alcoholic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
alcoholic hepatitis
b
: containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholically adverb

alcoholic

2 of 2 noun
: one affected with alcoholism

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholic

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