alcohol
noun
al·co·hol
ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl 
1
2
: any of a class of organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1b(2)) compounds that are analogous to ethanol and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons
Examples of alcohol in a Sentence
cough medicine that contains alcohol
drinks that are high in alcohol
There was a high level of alcohol in his blood at the time of the accident.
a mixture of different alcohols
The restaurant had a license to serve alcohol.
Recent Examples on the Web
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
—
Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
The cafe aims to provide a relaxing environment without caffeine or alcohol.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
Much like how pricey alcohol allows restaurants to serve steak, credit cards and premium cabins are what allow airlines to generate record-high profits—even during periods of record-low economy fares.
—Scott Keyes, Time, 23 July 2025
Columbus Township residents are shocked and disappointed after 18 criminal charges were filed against a local official accused of spending more than $1 million in taxpayer money on personal expenses, including travel, college tuition, alcohol and cannabis.
—Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcohol
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.
Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
The cafe aims to provide a relaxing environment without caffeine or alcohol.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
Much like how pricey alcohol allows restaurants to serve steak, credit cards and premium cabins are what allow airlines to generate record-high profits—even during periods of record-low economy fares.
—Scott Keyes, Time, 23 July 2025
Columbus Township residents are shocked and disappointed after 18 criminal charges were filed against a local official accused of spending more than $1 million in taxpayer money on personal expenses, including travel, college tuition, alcohol and cannabis.
—Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcohol
Cite this Entry
“Alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcohol. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alcohol
noun
al·co·hol
ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl
1
a
: ethanol especially when used as the substance in fermented or distilled liquors (as beer or whiskey) that can make one drunk
b
: drink (as beer, wine, or whiskey) containing ethanol
2
: any of various carbon compounds that are similar to ethanol in having one or more hydroxyl groups
Medical Definition
alcohol
noun
al·co·hol
ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl
1
a
: ethanol especially when considered as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors
b
: drink (as whiskey or beer) containing ethanol
c
: a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95 percent ethanol
2
: any of various compounds that are analogous to ethanol in constitution and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share