alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
-kə-hə-
1
: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
2
a
: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

b
: acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism
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.
Despite his flair for writing uplifting anthemic songs, he was plagued by alcoholism and depression and took his own life in 2001. Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025 Dear Eric: My sister suffers from alcoholism and drug addiction from way back. Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025 Betty Ford’s public disclosure of her struggles with alcoholism and prescription drug dependency helped de-stigmatize treatment for substance use disorders. Daniel J. Stone, Twin Cities, 4 June 2025 The defense’s strategy will be to call Sokola’s credibility into question by highlighting discrepancies in her testimony over the years, and by pointing to her struggles with alcoholism and mental health. Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alcoholism

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcoholism was in 1848

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholism. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

alcoholism

noun
al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
: continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks
also : an abnormal bodily state associated with such use

Medical Definition

alcoholism

noun
al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm, -kə-hə- How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
1
: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
2
: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

compare acute alcoholism

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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