milkshake

American  

[milk-sheyk] / ˈmɪlkˌʃeɪk /

Or milk shake

noun

1. a frothy drink made of cold milk, flavoring, and usually ice cream, shaken together or blended in a mixer.

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Etymology

Origin of milkshake

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; milk ( def. ) + shake ( def. )

Explanation

A milkshake is a sweet, cold drink made with ice cream. If you want a dessert you can slurp through a straw, you should consider a milkshake. Milkshakes are traditionally made with ice cream, milk, and flavored syrups like chocolate or strawberry, although there are infinite variations. You might prefer frozen yogurt or non-dairy ice cream, or an extra-thick milkshake made without milk. In New England, this sweet treat is often called a "frappe," although if it's coffee-flavored and you're in Rhode Island, it's a "coffee cabinet." Milkshake was first used in the 1880s, when it referred to an adult beverage made with whiskey.

Example Sentences

Engaging with your favorite store these days can involve tracking rewards points in a spreadsheet to determine how to get the maximum value or playing mini games in an app to win a free milkshake.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 17, 2025

The chancellor has announced her Budget which includes a freeze to income taxthresholds, a rise in minimum wages and a so-called milkshake tax.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

Usually I have black coffee, but I’d get their frozen blended coffee with almond milk, which is basically a milkshake.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2025

In-N-Out fans looking to satisfy a craving for a strawberry milkshake, pink lemonade or ketchup-drenched french fries might soon notice something a bit different.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

I just sat there, in the booth where Marcus left me, staring into an empty milkshake glass.

From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher