cocktail

¹ American  

[kok-teyl] / ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of various mixed drinks, consisting typically of gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, or brandy, with different admixtures, as vermouth, fruit juices, or flavorings, usually chilled and frequently sweetened.

2. a portion of food, as seafood served with a sauce or a mixture of fruits cut into pieces, served as an appetizer or first course.

   a shrimp cocktail;

   a fruit cocktail.

3. a mixture of various drugs usually a beverage or solution.

   a liquid drug cocktail for terminal patients;

   a cocktail of pills taken twice a day.

4. any diverse mixture of elements, especially one with a powerful effect.

   an impressive cocktail of skills and experiences.

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verb (used without object)

1. to drink cocktails, especially at a cocktail party.

   They cocktailed before going to the theater.

adjective

1. (of women's clothing) styled for semiformal wear.

   a knee-length cocktail dress.

2. of, pertaining to, used in, or suitable to the serving of cocktails.

   cocktail onions;

   cocktail napkins.

cocktail ² American  

[kok-teyl] / ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. a horse with a docked tail.

2. a horse that is not a thoroughbred.

3. a man of little breeding who passes for a gentleman.

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cocktail ¹ British  

/ ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. 1. any mixed drink with a spirit base, usually drunk before meals

   2. ( as modifier )

      the cocktail hour

2. an appetizer of seafood, mixed fruits, etc

3. any combination of diverse elements, esp one considered potent

4. (modifier) appropriate for formal occasions

   a cocktail dress

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cocktail ² British  

/ ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. a horse with a docked tail

2. an animal of unknown or mixed breeding

3. archaic a person of little breeding pretending to be a gentleman

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Etymology

Origin of cocktail¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10; origin obscure; none of numerous attempts to explain the origin of this word or its relationship to cocktail ² have won general acceptance

Origin of cocktail²

First recorded in 1750–60; cock ² + tail ¹

Explanation

A cocktail is an alcoholic mixed drink that’s usually served in a short glass. If you have too many cocktails, you may not find your way home. A cocktail will usually contain some type of hard liquor — such as gin or whiskey — mixed with something else. For example, a screwdriver cocktail is vodka mixed with orange juice. Many cocktails are mixed with some type of fruit juice, which hides the alcohol's taste. The word is also used as an adjective to describe things associated with these popular beverages. You might, for example, buy a new cocktail party dress to wear to an upcoming cocktail party. How smashing!

Example Sentences

To finish, he served a dish dedicated to his wife's family - a twist on the Brandy Alexander cocktail.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

I did once spy him across the room at a cocktail party for Prince Andrew in the early 2000s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

A good cocktail could cost you $15 to $20.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

They’ve opened studios and galleries alongside the stationery store, coffee shops, tea cocktail lounges, fusion restaurants and destination bars that come fully to life only after dark.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Orange groves, failed movie stars, lamplit cocktail hours by the swimming pool, cigarettes, ennui.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• aperitif
• appetizer
• drink
• wine