al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯ-lik 
-ˈhä-
1
a
: of, relating to, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
b
: containing alcohol
an alcoholic beverage
2
: affected with alcoholism
: 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
Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025
The advisory recommended adding cancer risk warning labels to alcoholic beverages.
—Dr. Zakia Jabarkheel, ABC News, 22 May 2025
Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 May 2025
In 1978, the year after Crawford’s death, Christina published Mommie Dearest, a memoir of her childhood that alleged child abuse and portrayed the star as an emotionally volatile alcoholic, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
—Julie Tremaine, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
When can minors drink in NC? North Carolina law allows minors to consume alcohol when:
An alcoholic beverage is used for medicinal purposes by a licensed physician.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025
The advisory recommended adding cancer risk warning labels to alcoholic beverages.
—Dr. Zakia Jabarkheel, ABC News, 22 May 2025
Noun
If a parent is an alcoholic, their child will either also become one or never drink a drop of it in their life.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 May 2025
In 1978, the year after Crawford’s death, Christina published Mommie Dearest, a memoir of her childhood that alleged child abuse and portrayed the star as an emotionally volatile alcoholic, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
—Julie Tremaine, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alcoholic
1 of 2 adjective
al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik
-ˈhäl-
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
al·co·hol·ic
ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik, -ˈhäl-
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
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