proof spirit

noun

: an alcoholic liquor or mixture of ethanol and water that contains 50 percent ethanol by volume at 60°F (16°C)

Examples of proof spirit 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.
Fever Tree sparkling grapefruit soda plays nicely with just about every zero-proof spirit. Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2022 That matters more than ever as nonalcoholic cocktails move beyond juice blends and into zero-proof spirits that cost enough to feel like an indulgence. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 It’s been two years since Iowa’s Templeton Rye released a barrel-strength whiskey, and this year this high-proof spirit has returned with a bang. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2022 During the process of making vanilla extract, opened vanilla bean pods soak in a liquid (often a high-proof spirit like vodka or bourbon) to infuse it with vanilla flavor and aroma. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proof spirit

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proof spirit was in 1703

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Cite this Entry

“Proof spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proof%20spirit. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

1
: an alcoholic liquor or mixture of alcohol and water containing 50 percent ethanol by volume at 60° F (15.6°C)
2
British : liquor that weighs ¹²/₁₃ of an equal measure of distilled water or contains 57.10 percent by volume of alcohol
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