cider

American  

[sahy-der] / ˈsaɪ dər /

British, cyder

noun

1. the juice pressed from apples (or formerly from some other fruit) used for drinking, either before fermentation sweet cider or after fermentation hard cider, or for making applejack, vinegar, etc.

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cider British  

/ ˈsaɪdə /

noun

1. Also called (US): hard cider.  an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of apples

2. Also called: sweet cider.  an unfermented drink made from apple juice

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• ciderish
  adjective
• ciderlike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cider

1250–1300; Middle English sidre < Middle French < Old French si ( s ) dre < Late Latin sīcera strong drink < Septuagint Greek sī́kera < Hebrew shēkhār (Levit. 10:9); replacing Middle English sithere < Old French sidre

Explanation

Cider is an unfiltered juice or fermented beverage made from apples. In the fall, there's nothing like a mug of hot, spiced cider. Apple cider is a darker-colored, unsweetened version of apple juice — the main difference is that cider is fresh, with a short shelf life, and it isn't filtered. Another kind of cider is this same pressed apple juice, allowed to ferment and become alcoholic. This is often called "hard cider." The word comes from the Old French cidre, "pear or apple cider," ultimately from the Hebrew shekhar, "strong drink."

Example Sentences

In 2023, presenter Jeremy Clarkson recalled some batches of his Hawkstone cider bottles, warning that there was a "slim chance" they may erupt after reports of the glass bottles suddenly exploding.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

The Dean Heritage Centre is home to beam engines and cider presses, and a detailed display charting the history of the areas iconic free miners.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Mahan recalled growing up in Watsonville, an agricultural community that is the home of Driscoll’s berries and Martinelli’s apple cider.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In 1954 he took the 13-year-old Bernie to the Vermont Information Center, in midtown Manhattan, where, Mr. Chiasson writes, “the air smelled of woodsmoke, cider, and maple syrup.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Soon, the house was filled with friends and neighbors and Mrs. Brisbane played piano while everyone sang carols and drank hot cider.

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney