akvavit

1 of 2

noun (1)

ak·​va·​vit ˈä-kwə-ˌvēt How to pronounce akvavit (audio)
ˈäk-vä-

less common variant of aquavit

: a clear Scandinavian liquor flavored with caraway seeds

aquavit

2 of 2

noun (2)

aqua·​vit ˈä-kwə-ˌvēt How to pronounce aquavit (audio)
variants or less commonly akvavit
ˈä-kwə-ˌvēt How to pronounce aquavit (audio)
ˈäk-vä-
: a clear Scandinavian liquor flavored with caraway seeds

Examples of akvavit 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.
Noun
The bar holds a wide selection of Norwegian beers, gins, whiskies, and aquavit. — Karen Gardiner, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026 Then there are the special releases, including an aquavit flavored like an everything bagel and a vodka filtered through quartz. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 June 2025 Simple, pack-a-punch drinks such as Zouzou and Nirvana are bound to tempt anyone with a penchant for unique spirits such as eau de vie (aquavit) and cachaça. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026 The Halfdan Was Here cocktail calls for dill aquavit, clarified granny smith apple juice, celery, tarragon, musk willow water and lime. — Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for akvavit

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Swedish, Dan, & Norwegian akvavit, from Medieval Latin aqua vitae

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of akvavit was in 1864

Rhymes for akvavit

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Browse Nearby Words

akund
akvavit
Akwa'ala
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Akvavit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/akvavit. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on akvavit

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about akvavit

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