bitters

American  

[bit-erz] / ˈbɪt ərz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. 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.

2. Pharmacology.

   1. a liquid, usually alcoholic, impregnated with a bitter medicine, as gentian or quassia, used to increase the appetite or as a tonic.

   2. bitter medicinal substances in general, as quinine.

---

bitters British  

/ ˈbɪtəz /

plural noun

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

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

---

Etymology

Origin of bitters

First recorded in 1705–15; bitter + -s ³

Example Sentences

"Our thoughts are with the relatives of Mrs Bitters as they try to come to terms with their loss."

From BBC • May 19, 2023

“Then around 2018 or 2019, more bartenders opened their own bars here too — Riddle Bar, Druid Bar, Lenja Buba, Bitters Bar, Hanky Panky, Barblija,” he said, counting off on his fingers.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2023

Bitters are added to drinks using a medicine dropper instead of a dasher bottle.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2022

Bitters typically come in small bottles, so they're easy to store, and building a small collection is an easy way to adapt classic recipes without much risk.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2021

We paid full value, C. O. D.," added Si, "and not in Drake's Plantation Bitters labels nor in busted Kalamazoo bank notes, neither.

From Si Klegg, Book 2 (of 6) Thru The Stone River Campaign And In Winter Quarters At Murfreesboro by McElroy, John