root beer

American  

noun

1. a carbonated beverage flavored with syrup made from the extracted juices of roots, barks, and herbs that have been fermented with sugar and yeast.

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root beer British  

noun

1. an effervescent drink made from extracts of various roots and herbs

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Etymology

Origin of root beer

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does root-beer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• birch beer vs. root beer

Example Sentences

I would have liked a root beer along about then, but I didn’t have a nickel to buy one.

From Literature

Stories involving a sitar, a surfboard, several root beer floats and a bride-to-be.

From Los Angeles Times

I pictured them laughing over a joke or sitting down to enjoy a root beer.

From Literature

Inside, customers sipped root beer flats and ate cheeseburgers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Sadie promises me a root beer float with a drizzle of caramel.

From Literature