alcoholic

1 of 2

adjective

1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
b
: containing alcohol
an alcoholic beverage
2
: affected with alcoholism

alcoholic

2 of 2

noun

: a person affected with alcoholism

Examples of alcoholic in a Sentence

Adjective a slightly more alcoholic wine She has an alcoholic uncle. Noun Her uncle is an alcoholic. one can be a social drinker without turning into an alcoholic
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Flanagan then cast Hamill as an alcoholic accountant and grandfather to the title character. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 July 2025 Anheuser-Busch InBev Shares of the alcoholic beverage giant have plenty more room to run, according to the firm. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 26 July 2025
Noun
Leonard was an alcoholic whose drinking began in high school. Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 13 July 2025 Pete’s brother, a former hockey player who misses his glory days, is an alcoholic who cares for the family’s large mink farm. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alcoholic

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcoholic was in 1789

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

alcoholic

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism

alcoholic

2 of 2 noun
: a person affected with alcoholism

Medical Definition

alcoholic

1 of 2 adjective
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
alcoholic hepatitis
b
: containing alcohol
2
: affected with alcoholism

alcoholic

2 of 2 noun
: one affected with alcoholism

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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