1
a
: a usually iced drink of wine or distilled liquor mixed with flavoring ingredients
b
: something resembling or suggesting such a drink as being a mixture of often diverse elements or ingredients
a cocktail of remembered incidents and pure imagination—
Charlotte Low
Charlotte Lowa cocktail of herbicides
c
: a mixture of agents usually in solution that is taken or used especially for medical treatment or diagnosis
2
: an appetizer served as a first course at a meal
1
: of, relating to, or set aside for cocktails
a cocktail hour
2
: designed for semiformal wear
a cocktail dress
: a horse with its tail docked
Synonyms
Examples of cocktail in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebThe Indianapolis Star, 15 Apr. 2024
The Uni Gin Sour, made with sea urchin, is the rare stunt cocktail that actually delivers.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024
The list, compiled from a survey of experts in the worlds of publishing and entertainment and written by regular contributors to The Times’ film and books coverage, explicates the cocktail’s allure and why many have ordered it again and again, despite its tart aftertaste.
—Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024
The signature cocktails are just $11, and small plates (Masala Fries, Burst Chicken Koliwada, Labneh Croquettes and more) range from $9 to $16.
—Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Get The Recipe 04 of 50 Hurricane Cocktail This strong cocktail was made for sipping.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2024
The cocktail is always available at this cozy bar and restaurant next to KFC Yum!
—Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
Where to eat: A lively atmosphere, creative cocktails and harborside views are all on offer at one80 Kitchen at Mgarr Yacht Marina, where fresh fish and authentic Maltese dishes are served alongside views of returning fishermen and the comings and goings of the picturesque harbor.
—Anya Meyerowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024
Team members originally had plans of opening a deli and cocktail concept, and later a sneaker lounge.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2024
Noun
Also customers can order the new limited-time Tax Break cocktail, featuring 1800 Silver Tequila, citrus, agave, strawberry and passionfruit with a hitchhiker of Hennessy V.S.
White Castle
The chain is discounting orders by 15%.
—The Indianapolis Star, 15 Apr. 2024
The Uni Gin Sour, made with sea urchin, is the rare stunt cocktail that actually delivers.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024
The list, compiled from a survey of experts in the worlds of publishing and entertainment and written by regular contributors to The Times’ film and books coverage, explicates the cocktail’s allure and why many have ordered it again and again, despite its tart aftertaste.
—Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024
The signature cocktails are just $11, and small plates (Masala Fries, Burst Chicken Koliwada, Labneh Croquettes and more) range from $9 to $16.
—Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Get The Recipe 04 of 50 Hurricane Cocktail This strong cocktail was made for sipping.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2024
The cocktail is always available at this cozy bar and restaurant next to KFC Yum!
—Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
Where to eat: A lively atmosphere, creative cocktails and harborside views are all on offer at one80 Kitchen at Mgarr Yacht Marina, where fresh fish and authentic Maltese dishes are served alongside views of returning fishermen and the comings and goings of the picturesque harbor.
—Anya Meyerowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024
Team members originally had plans of opening a deli and cocktail concept, and later a sneaker lounge.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cocktail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Cocktail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocktail. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cocktail
noun
cock·tail
ˈkäk-ˌtāl 
: a mixture of agents usually in solution that is taken or used especially for medical treatment or diagnosis
a potent cocktail of antiretroviral drugs—Zia Jaffrey
Zia Jaffreychemotherapy cocktails to treat cancer—J. L. Swerdlow
J. L. SwerdlowLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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