alcoholic

1 of 2

adjective

al·​co·​hol·​ic ˌal-kə-ˈhȯ-lik How to pronounce alcoholic (audio)
-ˈhä-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
b
: containing alcohol
an alcoholic beverage
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholically adverb

alcoholic

2 of 2

noun

: a person affected with alcoholism

Examples of alcoholic in a Sentence

Adjective a slightly more alcoholic wine She has an alcoholic uncle. Noun Her uncle is an alcoholic. one can be a social drinker without turning into an alcoholic
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Also on the menu are chips, sweets and a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024 The letter is dated May 8, the same day as the council meeting where changes to alcoholic beverage sales regulations were approved following the Martini Bar shooting. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for alcoholic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alcoholic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcoholic was in 1789

Dictionary Entries Near alcoholic

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

alcoholic

1 of 2 adjective
al·​co·​hol·​ic ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik How to pronounce alcoholic (audio)
-ˈhäl-
1
: of, relating to, or containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholically adverb

alcoholic

2 of 2 noun
: a person affected with alcoholism

Medical Definition

alcoholic

1 of 2 adjective
al·​co·​hol·​ic ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik, -ˈhäl- How to pronounce alcoholic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
alcoholic hepatitis
b
: containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism
alcoholically adverb

alcoholic

2 of 2 noun
: one affected with alcoholism

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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