julep

noun

ju·​lep ˈjü-ləp How to pronounce julep (audio)
1
: a drink consisting of a liquor (such as bourbon or brandy) and sugar poured over crushed ice and garnished with mint
2
: a drink consisting of sweet syrup, flavoring, and water

Examples of julep in a Sentence

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.
Plus, each julep will be served in Kentucky Derby glass from past years. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Bourbon and brandy are go-tos here, especially in Old Fashioned riffs or juleps. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Eventually, the basics of a julep emerged: sugar, mints, spirits. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Some winners even received sterling julep trophies for certain horse races. Harry Enten, CNN Money, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for julep

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Arabic julāb, from Persian gulāb, from gul rose + āb water

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of julep was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Julep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/julep. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

julep

noun
ju·​lep ˈjü-ləp How to pronounce julep (audio)
: a drink of bourbon, sugar, and mint served with crushed ice

More from Merriam-Webster on julep

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