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

The broth is still at the center of all things La Mer: Past celebrations have involved “broth-tinis,” which are just cocktails made to resemble the opal liquid with its root beer smell.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Twig's also makes its own-name range of fruit sodas, from root beer to black cherry, and orange to lime.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

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 • Aug. 23, 2023

Still, it's hard to ruin pizza and root beer and ice cream, and once the eating starts, things loosen up.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements