bitters

[ bit-erz ]

/ ˈbɪt ərz /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for bitters on Thesaurus.com

noun (used with a plural verb)

a liquid, often an alcoholic liquor, in which bitter herbs or roots have steeped, used as a flavoring, especially in mixed drinks, or as a tonic.

Pharmacology.

a liquid, usually alcoholic, impregnated with a bitter medicine, as gentian or quassia, used to increase the appetite or as a tonic.
bitter medicinal substances in general, as quinine.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of bitters

First recorded in 1705–15; bitter + -s³

Words nearby bitters

bitter principle, bitterroot, Bitterroot Range, Bitterroot River, bitter rot, bitters, bittersweet, bitterweed, bitterwood, bitterwort, bitting

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bitters in a sentence

He dashes in a few drops of bitters, and then gently crushes the sugar with a muddler.
The Rise and Fall…and Rise Again of the Old-Fashioned|Allison McNearney|June 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Within its 1806 embodiment of the cocktail incarnate—spirit, sweetner, bitters, water—there is traditionalism,” Simonson writes.
The Rise and Fall…and Rise Again of the Old-Fashioned|Allison McNearney|June 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"Almost all of the bitters, whiskeys, or absinthes you see in Buenos Aires are illegal," he says.
The Absinthe-Minded Porteños of Buenos Aires|Jeff Campagna|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He adds two dashes of Peychaud's bitters, one shot of Los Tigres de la Ira's Suisse verte, some lemon juice, and an egg white.
The Absinthe-Minded Porteños of Buenos Aires|Jeff Campagna|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

He makes me a 20's Sazerac with Jack Daniels, Peychaud's Bitters, simple syrup, and local Tigre de la Ira absinthe.
The Secret Speakeasies of Buenos Aires|Jeff Campagna|February 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Call'd for half a Gill of bitters to qualify my humours; & a dish of Tea to cheer me, & soon to Bed.
Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion, 1773-1774.|Philip Vickers Fithian
Madeira and bitters were first offered, together with a well-spiced vegetable soup.
The Argus Pheasant|John Charles Beecham
"I ain't breakin' no law; this is yarb bitters," Jabe answered, with a pull at the bottle.
The Village Watch-Tower|(AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin
I shall only observe that no smells or tastes can produce a grand sensation, except excessive bitters, and intolerable stenches.
The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. I. (of 12)|Edmund Burke
But a glass of bitters, followed by half a grapefruit and a large cup of coffee, made him more nearly his usual cheerful self.
Thirty|Howard Vincent O'Brien

British Dictionary definitions for bitters

bitters

/ (ˈbɪtəz) /

pl n

bitter-tasting spirits of varying alcoholic content flavoured with plant extracts

a similar liquid containing a bitter-tasting substance, used as a tonic to stimulate the appetite or improve digestion

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bitters

Origin of bitters

Words nearby bitters

Words related to bitters

How to use bitters in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bitters