alcohol

American  

[al-kuh-hawl, -hol] / ˈæl kəˌhɔl, -ˌhɒl /

noun

• alcohols
  plural

1. Also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, ethanol.  Also called fermentation alcohol.  a colorless, limpid, volatile, flammable, water-miscible liquid, C 2 H 5 OH, having an etherlike odor and pungent, burning taste, the intoxicating principle of fermented liquors, produced by yeast fermentation of certain carbohydrates, as grains, molasses, starch, or sugar, or obtained synthetically by hydration of ethylene or as a by-product of certain hydrocarbon syntheses: used chiefly as a solvent in the extraction of specific substances, in beverages, medicines, organic synthesis, lotions, tonics, colognes, rubbing compounds, as an automobile radiator antifreeze, and as a rocket fuel.

2. whiskey, gin, vodka, or any other intoxicating liquor containing this liquid.

3. Chemistry. any of a class of chemical compounds having the general formula ROH, where R represents an alkyl group and –OH a hydroxyl group, as in methyl alcohol, CH 3 OH, or ethyl alcohol, C 2 H 5 OH.

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alcohol British  

/ ˈælkəˌhɒl /

noun

1. Also called: ethanol.   ethyl alcohol.  a colourless flammable liquid, the active principle of intoxicating drinks, produced by the fermentation of sugars, esp glucose, and used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C 2 H 5 OH

2. a drink or drinks containing this substance

3. chem any one of a class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound to carbon atoms. The simplest alcohols have the formula ROH, where R is an alkyl group Compare phenol See also diol triol

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alcohol Scientific  

/ ăl′kə-hôl′ /

1. Any of a large number of colorless, flammable organic compounds that contain the hydroxyl group (OH) and that form esters with acids. Alcohols are used as solvents and for manufacturing dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Simple alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, are water-soluble liquids, while more complex ones, like cetyl alcohol, are waxy solids. Names of alcohols usually end in –ol.

2. Ethanol.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• alcohols
  plural

Etymology

Origin of alcohol

1535–45; < New Latin < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-kuḥl the powdered antimony, the distillate

Compare meaning

How does alcohol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• witch hazel vs. alcohol
• hydroxyl vs. alcohol

Explanation

Alcohol is a distilled or fermented drink that can make you drunk. Beer, wine and vodka are all kinds of alcohol. Scientifically, alcohol is a liquid made up of distilled hydrocarbons that's also known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol — the same stuff found in solvents and car fuel. At the bar, alcohol is something you drink (as long as you're at least 21). Alcoholic beverages like whiskey and lager are produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugar and starches and have the power to make a person intoxicated.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alcohol alcohols

Some cosmetics, medicines and supplements contain gelatin, animal fats, alcohol or other ingredients whose origins matter to observant consumers.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 12, 2026

Men consuming between 20 g per week and 20 g per day and women consuming between 20 g per week and 10 g per day were considered to have low alcohol consumption.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 9, 2026

The guidance suggests applicants for new licences should aim for "a predominantly seated operation with fixed seating", alongside waiter service replacing vertical drinking and restrictions on customers consuming alcohol while standing.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

Kennedy and several other Cabinet members have reportedly embraced versions of the plan, which emphasizes grass-fed meat and fermented foods while eliminating alcohol and sugary foods.

From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026

I find a clear bottle of rubbing alcohol and a small box of Band-Aids, drop a few bucks on the counter, and ask for a key to the restroom.

From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

Hydrocarbons and chemical compounds like industrial alcohols and plastics accounted for the bulk of Tehran's exports to Beijing.

From Barron's ● Jan. 13, 2026

This shift pointed to the formation of alcohols, carboxylates, ethers, and carbonyls.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 31, 2025

There are also polyols or sugar alcohols - erythritol particularly has gained traction in recent years.

From BBC ● Dec. 14, 2023

Fermenting encompasses a range of processes through which microorganisms — yeasts, molds, bacteria — break down compounds in food to create alcohols, acids or alkalis, which in turn prevent the growth of harmful pathogens.

From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2023

Many of these fractions, the sugars and starches, the alcohols and acids, the emulsifiers and stabi lizers with the strange names, will be made into food.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Related Words

• booze
• drink
• ethanol
• liquor
• methanol
• smoke