teetotal

American  

[tee-toht-l, tee-toht-l] / tiˈtoʊt l, ˈtiˌtoʊt l /

adjective

1. of or relating to, advocating, or pledged to total abstinence from intoxicating drink.

2. Informal. absolute; complete.

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verb (used without object)

teetotaled, teetotaling, teetotalled, teetotalling

1. to practice teetotalism.

teetotal British  

/ tiːˈtəʊtəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or practising abstinence from alcoholic drink

2. dialect complete

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Other Word Forms

• teetotalism noun
• teetotaller noun
• teetotally adverb

Etymology

Origin of teetotal

Reduplicated variant of total, coined by R. Turner, of Preston, England, in 1833, in a speech advocating total abstinence from alcoholic drinks

Example Sentences

But he says it sometimes seems difficult for people to accept he's teetotal.

From BBC

He is teetotal and a practising Muslim who has spoken openly about his observance of Ramadan.

From BBC

Whether teetotaling, temperance or virgin, they’re just drinks, after all — though I suppose their intricacy beyond fresh-squeezed juice demands we label them something nobler.

From Salon

"For me it was important that once I retired from international netball I didn't just go teetotal and stop completely. I really wanted that transition out," Mentor told BBC Sport.

From BBC

Several ministers have indeed distanced themselves from the call for a teetotal month, saying they preferred to encourage moderation rather than an outright booze-fast.

From BBC