tequila

American  

[tuh-kee-luh] / təˈki lə /

noun

1. a strong liquor from Mexico, distilled from fermented mash of an agave.

2. the plant itself, Agave tequilana.

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tequila British  

/ tɪˈkiːlə /

noun

1. a spirit that is distilled in Mexico from an agave plant and forms the basis of many mixed drinks

2. the plant, Agave tequilana, from which this drink is made

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Etymology

Origin of tequila

First recorded in 1840–50; after Tequila, a town in Jalisco, Mexico, a center for its production

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tequila

We’re all sitting at home sipping adaptogenic mushroom tonics, journaling our feelings and politely declining invitations to any event after 7 p.m. because we’d rather optimize our sleep scores than take a tequila shot.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

"If you love tequila but want a longer drink, or you want something citrusy like a Paloma but a bit cleaner with wine notes, you have to try it," he adds.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

Move over, coffee and tequila endorsements, there’s a new actor side hustle in town.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026

Mexico remains one of the world’s premier tourist draws, anchored by the global appeal of Jalisco’s cultural exports, like tequila and mariachi music.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

“If Jesus Christ himself walked into my bar and ordered a shot of blackberry brandy or tequila, I wouldn’t make fun of him,” Tranquilino said.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols