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 center specializes in alcohol addiction treatment, including alcoholism, alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse and binge drinking.
—
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026
Jackson was indicted on 10 criminal counts in 2003, including child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent (alcohol) to a minor, and conspiracy to commit child abduction and false imprisonment.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
Panettiere’s biggest struggles came battling postpartum depression, a time in which she self-medicated with alcohol.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor, according to the sheriff's office.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcohol
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Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026
Jackson was indicted on 10 criminal counts in 2003, including child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent (alcohol) to a minor, and conspiracy to commit child abduction and false imprisonment.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
Panettiere’s biggest struggles came battling postpartum depression, a time in which she self-medicated with alcohol.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor, according to the sheriff's office.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcohol
Cite this Entry
“Alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcohol. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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