alcohol

American  

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

noun

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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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

Women generally had lower BMI, followed the Mediterranean diet more closely, and were less likely to drink alcohol.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

I liked how neither of us ordered a drink with dinner, choosing water over alcohol as the conversation remained interesting and focused.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Constellation posted fiscal fourth-quarter results on Wednesday after the bell, where the alcohol company beat sales and earnings expectations, but issued lower-than-expected fiscal 2027 guidance and withdrew its estimates for 2028.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Woods told officers he had not consumed alcohol that day.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Hazel’s skin tingled coolly, as if she’d been rubbed with alcohol.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

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