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 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

“I also want to say that the first root beer float is going to taste so amazing and soon I’m going to be a free-range chicken and won’t be hooked up to anything.”

From Seattle Times

The 36 taps showcase about 20 beers, including Stoup’s acclaimed Citra IPA, along with hard seltzers, root beer and other nonalcoholic beverages.

From Seattle Times