potion

noun

po·​tion ˈpō-shən How to pronounce potion (audio)
Synonyms of potionnext
: a mixture of liquids (such as liquor or medicine)

Examples of potion in a Sentence

He drank the fatal potion. The hero in the play is given a magic potion so that he will fall in love with the princess.
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.
Where would musical theater be without gleaming little prop vials of potions? — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 July 2026 Also, if this is what the cusp of 50 looks like, please pass the bottle of potion. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Along the way, visitors can cast spells with a digital wand, brew potions, pot a mandrake, test their Quidditch skills and explore iconic settings like the Great Hall, Hogwarts classrooms, Hagrid's Hut and the Forbidden Forest. — Justin Adams, CBS News, 26 June 2026 It's filled with witchy icons that every spell-caster has to have in their home—broomsticks, spell books, potions, and more. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for potion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pocioun, from Anglo-French poisun, pocioun drink, potion, from Latin potion-, potio, from potare to drink — more at potable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potion was in the 14th century

Rhymes for potion

See All Rhymes for potion

Browse Nearby Words

potichomania
potion
pot kiln
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potion. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

potion

noun
po·​tion ˈpō-shən How to pronounce potion (audio)
: a mixture of liquids (as a medicine or poison)
Etymology

Middle English pocioun "a mixture of liquids," from early French poisun, pocioun (same meaning), from Latin potion-, potio "a drink, potion," from potare "to drink" — related to poison

Medical Definition

potion

noun
po·​tion ˈpō-shən How to pronounce potion (audio)
: a mixed drink (as of liquor) or dose (as of medicine)

More from Merriam-Webster on potion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for potion

Nglish: Translation of potion for Spanish Speakers

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