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

Combined with his inspiring observations about embracing the healing power of artistic control, it mixes up a cocktail of feel-good brain chemistry that can be a powerful antidote to our worries.

From Salon • May 2, 2026

Allergy expert Professor Stephen Till, from Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London, recommends "a cocktail approach", which means taking:

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Finding a revolutionary artist during cocktail hour at the opening gala of Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries was like shooting fish in a barrel.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The 1990s cocktail revival introduced a layer of snobbery to speakeasy-style bars, long after any subterfuge was necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

We rode in a taxi down to the Palace Hotel, left the bags, arranged for berths on the Sud Express for the night, and went into the bar of the hotel for a cocktail.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

Related Words

• aperitif
• appetizer
• drink
• wine