malt liquor

American  

noun

1. beer having a relatively high alcohol content, usually 5 to 8 percent.

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malt liquor British  

noun

1. any alcoholic drink brewed from malt

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Etymology

Origin of malt liquor

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

In the 1970s, actor Billy Dee Williams was the iconic face of Colt 45 malt liquor.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

In 1992, the Hornell Brewing Co. was ordered by the Senate to negotiate with the Oglala Sioux over its Crazy Horse malt liquor.

From Washington Times • Sep. 2, 2020

Unlike the colorful malt liquor drink, the new incarnation of The Best Show won’t be missing essential ingredients.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2014

Both Mr. Michail and Mr. Hunter said their beverages came in 23.5-ounce cans because when they started out, that was the standard for malt liquor drinks.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2010

The barley-corn has been personified as representing the malt liquor made from barley, as in Burns's song "John Barleycorn."

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3 "Banks" to "Bassoon" by Various