arrack

noun

ar·​rack ˈa-rək 

ə-ˈrak

variants or arak

: an Asian alcoholic beverage like rum that is distilled from a fermented mash of malted rice with toddy or molasses

Examples of arrack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The arrack-only bar specializes in classic cocktails made using the local spirit and fresh toddy, tapped straight from the coconut trees above your head. — Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

The drinks cabinet is packed with everything possible, from all the classics to punchy Ceylon arrack, there’s also a decanter of silky red wine on the side. — Harriet Compston, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from Indonesian Malay arak, borrowed by uncertain mediation from Arabic ʿaraq, short for ʿaraq al-tamr, literally, "sweat of the date (from which the liquor was originally distilled)"; ʿaraq derivative of ʿariqa "sweat, perspire"

First Known Use

1521, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for arrack

• barrack
• barbaric
• pindaric
• isobaric