alcoholism

noun

1
: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
2
a
: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

b
: acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism
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.
The native New Yorker and two-time Emmy nominee has long contended with health and medical crises, including diabetes, alcoholism and a 2010 kidney transplant, per Rolling Stone. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025 The counterfeit bill contains the racial slur, an offensive caricature of a Black person and references to anti-Black stereotypes surrounding alcoholism and reliance on government welfare. Jennah Pendleton, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2025 After years of struggling with alcoholism and self-destruction in London’s chaotic party scene, Rona returns to her childhood home in the remote Orkney Islands of Scotland to rebuild her life. Travis Bean, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Yet beneath the pristine public persona were demons that would drive him to alcoholism, scandal, and death from an overdose in 2012 at age 54. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alcoholism

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcoholism was in 1848

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholism. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

alcoholism

noun
: continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks
also : an abnormal bodily state associated with such use

Medical Definition

1
: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
2
: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

compare acute alcoholism

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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