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
At live events, Gen Z drinks approximately 25% less alcohol than Millennials and older cohorts, favoring alcohol-free options and sophisticated mocktails instead.
—
Zoryana Zagorodnya, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Whether naturally occurring or added by the winemaker, the role of yeast in wine production is to digest sugar and produce alcohol, which remains in the wine, and carbon dioxide, which is released as gas.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
Visitors are also allowed to bring their own lawn chairs and pop-up tents, as well as their own food and drinks (just no alcohol or glass jars and bottles).
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.
—Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcohol
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Zoryana Zagorodnya, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Whether naturally occurring or added by the winemaker, the role of yeast in wine production is to digest sugar and produce alcohol, which remains in the wine, and carbon dioxide, which is released as gas.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
Visitors are also allowed to bring their own lawn chairs and pop-up tents, as well as their own food and drinks (just no alcohol or glass jars and bottles).
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.
—Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 16 June 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 20 Jun. 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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