Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

swizzle

[swiz-uh l]
See more synonyms for swizzle on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a tall drink, originating in Barbados, composed of full-flavored West Indian rum, lime juice, crushed ice, and sugar: typically served with a swizzle stick.
Show More
verb (used with object), swiz·zled, swiz·zling.
  1. to agitate (a beverage) with a swizzle stick.
  2. to gulp down; guzzle.
Show More

Origin of swizzle

First recorded in 1805–15; origin uncertain
Related formsswiz·zler, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for swizzled

Historical Examples

  • He swizzled the ice around in his glass, still holding it up to the light.

    Unwise Child

    Gordon Randall Garrett

  • Its a letter, and Ill be swizzled if it isnt addressed to you!

British Dictionary definitions for swizzled

swizzle

noun
  1. US an unshaken cocktail
  2. an alcoholic drink containing gin or rum
  3. British informal a swiz
Show More
verb
  1. (tr) to stir a swizzle stick in (a drink)
  2. British informal to swindle; cheat
Show More

Word Origin

C19: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for swizzled

swizzle

n.

1813, name for various kinds of liquor drinks, or for intoxicating drinks generally, possibly a variant of switchel "a drink of molasses and water" (often mixed with rum), first attested 1790, of uncertain origin. Swizzle-stick attested by 1859.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper