al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯ-lik 
-ˈhä-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
b
: containing alcohol
an alcoholic beverage
2
: affected with alcoholism
: 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
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
But earmarking chocolate Easter bunnies and other confections for expulsion along with alcoholic beverages and tobacco is throwing out the bunny with the bathwater.
—Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
My husband has been a functioning alcoholic for more than 40 years.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
Proctor was officially fired from his post on March 19 of this year — just two weeks before the start of Read's second trial — for what Massachusetts State Police said was unsatisfactory performance and a charge related to alcoholic beverages, according to GBH News.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
But earmarking chocolate Easter bunnies and other confections for expulsion along with alcoholic beverages and tobacco is throwing out the bunny with the bathwater.
—Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
Pappas, 43, said Stagliano accused her of being an alcoholic and refused to leave her home on the day of her arrest, records show.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
My husband has been a functioning alcoholic for more than 40 years.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alcoholic
1 of 2 adjective
al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik
-ˈhäl-
1
: of, relating to, or containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
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-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
alcoholic hepatitis
b
: containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholic
2 of 2 noun
: one affected with alcoholism
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