alcoholic

[al-kuh-haw-lik, -hol-ik]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of alcohol.

   The fermented milk has a mildly alcoholic flavor.

2. containing or using alcohol.

   The bar serves beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

3. caused by alcohol.

   alcoholic fermentation.

4. of or like a person with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder.

   She hadn’t seen or spoken to her alcoholic aunt in over a decade.

5. preserved in alcohol.

   Tissue shrinking in alcoholic specimens did not affect nuclear composition.

noun

1. Sometimes Offensive.,  a person with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder; a person addicted to intoxicating drinks: Prescription medications are available to help alcoholics get sober and stay that way.

   He’s a self-described alcoholic.

   Prescription medications are available to help alcoholics get sober and stay that way.

alcoholic

/ ˌælkəˈhɒlɪk /

noun

1. a person affected by alcoholism

adjective

1. of, relating to, containing, or resulting from alcohol

Sensitive Note

See addict.

Other Word Forms

• alcoholically adverb
• semialcoholic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcoholic¹

First recorded in 1780–90; alcohol + -ic

Synonym Study

See inebriate.

Example Sentences

“We basically performed at bars and there weren’t a lot of comedy audiences; it was just the alcoholics who were there for that night, that’s their bar,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

With plans for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, he hopes to send batches to Italy for British athletes to enjoy after the Winter Games.

From BBC

Further, people shown drinking or playing a significant role in ads for alcoholic drinks must not be, or seem to be, under 25 years of age.

From BBC

Jones' mother Paula, through whom she qualifies for the Red Roses, was an alcoholic.

From BBC

"I was what you'd call a highly functioning alcoholic. Which is good in some ways, but really, ultimately, none of it is good."

From BBC

Related Words

• hard 
• spirituous