cocktail

¹

[kok-teyl]

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.

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

[kok-teyl]

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.

cocktail

¹

/ 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

cocktail

²

/ 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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocktail¹

C19: of unknown origin

Origin of cocktail²

C19: originally cocktailed (adj) having a tail like a cock's

Example Sentences

The way everyone tries in 2025: with a cocktail of existing roster, recruited talent and seasoned transfers.

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The interiors are dim and cozy, with wood-paneled walls, multiple cocktail bars and a cigar lounge.

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Attire must be “formal or cocktail” and only black, white or silver.

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His songs were sung by Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand; they won Academy Awards and were part of the repertory of any self-respecting cocktail pianist.

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Masquerade masks and cocktail or formal wear are required and entry is by password instead of physical ticket, contributing to the transportive theme of the show.

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Related Words

• aperitif 
• appetizer 
• drink 
• wine