liqueur

American  

[li-kur, -kyoor, lee-kœr] / lɪˈkɜr, -ˈkyʊər, liˈkœr /

noun

1. any of a class of alcoholic liquors, usually strong, sweet, and highly flavored, as Chartreuse or curaçao, generally served after dinner; cordial.

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liqueur British  

/ lɪˈkjʊə, likœr /

noun

1. 1. any of several highly flavoured sweetened spirits such as kirsch or cointreau, intended to be drunk after a meal

   2. ( as modifier )

      liqueur glass

2. a small hollow chocolate sweet containing liqueur

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Etymology

Origin of liqueur

From French, dating back to 1735–45; see origin at liquor

Example Sentences

The deal, set to be announced Tuesday, will allow Jenner’s 818 to tap in to Sazerac’s established sales and distribution network, which markets its brands ranging from Svedka vodka to Goldschläger liqueur.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Once described by comedian John Hodgeman as tasting of “pencil shavings and heartbreak,” Jeppson’s Malört is a polarizing wormwood and anise-flavored liqueur that’s kind of a secret handshake among Chicagoans.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2024

But had he instead swapped the Americano’s vermouth for still white wine, Count Negroni might have been credited with the Bicicletta, an easy cocktail of wine, red bitter liqueur and soda water.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

“There is a liqueur in southern Germany called gentian schnapps that contains an extract of that plant,” says Maik Behrens, a molecular biologist at the Technical University of Munich and co-author of the new study.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 12, 2023

Poirot sipped his coffee and ordered a liqueur.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• alcoholic beverage
• brandy