whis·key
ˈ(h)wi-skē 
variants
or whisky
plural whiskeys or whiskies
1
: a liquor distilled from fermented wort (such as that obtained from rye, corn, or barley mash)
2
: a drink of whiskey
Whiskey
2 of 2communications code word
—used as a code word for the letter w
Examples of whiskey in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
While spending several thousand dollars on a Scotch was not unheard of, this was the first time an American whiskey company offered a rare blend that rivaled other spirits from around the world.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
The Harvard Cocktail is equal parts vermouth and spirit and starts with a pretty basic substitution of brandy for whiskey.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
The bar stocks more than 150 whiskeys and bourbons.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiskey
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Noun
The ship left Milwaukee for Grand Haven, Michigan, in a gale on the night of Oct, 13, 1872, with 53 passengers and crew and a cargo of barley, pork, flour and whiskey.
—Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
While spending several thousand dollars on a Scotch was not unheard of, this was the first time an American whiskey company offered a rare blend that rivaled other spirits from around the world.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
The Harvard Cocktail is equal parts vermouth and spirit and starts with a pretty basic substitution of brandy for whiskey.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
The bar stocks more than 150 whiskeys and bourbons.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiskey
Cite this Entry
“Whiskey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiskey. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
whiskey
noun
whis·key
variants
or whisky
ˈhwis-kē
ˈwis-
plural whiskeys or whiskies
: an alcoholic liquor made from grain (as rye, corn, or barley)
Etymology
Noun
from uisce beatha, a phrase in Irish (the ancient language of Ireland) and isuge beatha, a phrase in Scottish Gaelic (the ancient language of Scotland), both meaning literally "water of life"
Medical Definition
whiskey
noun
whis·key
variants
or whisky
plural whiskeys or whiskies
: a liquor that is distilled from the fermented mash of grain (as rye, corn, or barley) and was formerly used medicinally as a sedative and vasodilator
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