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
Milton targeted bars and restaurants, stealing alcohol and causing financial hardship for business owners.
—
Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Aug. 2025
Police said evidence indicated that an 18-year-old Boise woman entered the business and began to steal alcohol when an employee confronted her and told her to leave.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 Aug. 2025
According to reports, the Queen Mother couldn’t stomach alcohol during her pregnancy with Queen Elizabeth.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Aug. 2025
Ashley McBryde wants to normalize not drinking alcohol in a town built on booze.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcohol
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Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Aug. 2025
Police said evidence indicated that an 18-year-old Boise woman entered the business and began to steal alcohol when an employee confronted her and told her to leave.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 Aug. 2025
According to reports, the Queen Mother couldn’t stomach alcohol during her pregnancy with Queen Elizabeth.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Aug. 2025
Ashley McBryde wants to normalize not drinking alcohol in a town built on booze.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 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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