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
The statement added that he was specifically charged with disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol in public and possession of cocaine.
—
Tommy McArdle, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The individuals who received acute care due to cannabis use retained an elevated risk of dementia compared to the total number of people who received care, excluding cases due to alcohol use.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The blood alcohol level of hockey player brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau did not contribute to their deaths the day they were fatally struck by an allegedly drunk and enraged driver, a judge ruled Tuesday.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Each liqueur below can be mixed to create tasty, simple drinks with vibrant colors, low alcohol content, and often with festive bubbles.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcohol
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Tommy McArdle, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The individuals who received acute care due to cannabis use retained an elevated risk of dementia compared to the total number of people who received care, excluding cases due to alcohol use.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The blood alcohol level of hockey player brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau did not contribute to their deaths the day they were fatally struck by an allegedly drunk and enraged driver, a judge ruled Tuesday.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Each liqueur below can be mixed to create tasty, simple drinks with vibrant colors, low alcohol content, and often with festive bubbles.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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
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