1
capitalized
: a member of a French family founded in 1272 to which belong the rulers of France from 1589 to 1793 and from 1814 to 1830, of Spain from 1700 to 1808, from 1814 to 1868, from 1875 to 1931, and from 1975, of Naples from 1735 to 1805, and of the Two Sicilies from 1815 to 1860
2
: a rose (Rosa borboniana) of upright growth with shining leaves, prickly branches, and clustered large flowers
3
: a whiskey distilled from a mash made up of not less than 51 percent corn plus malt and rye compare corn whiskey
4
often capitalized
: a person who clings obstinately to old social and political ideas
specifically
: an extremely conservative member of the U.S. Democratic party usually from the South
Examples of bourbon in a Sentence
I prefer bourbon to Scotch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Three sets of rare bourbon, including a collection of Pappy Van Winkle valued at $12,000, are up for grabs.
—
Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 Nov. 2024
While bourbon and rye might not be the most important issues on the minds of those who are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the election, which at this point is most of us, the American whiskey industry is certainly paying close attention.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024
Speaking of the luxury hotel, sidle up to its onsite J-Bar for a milkshake with a heavy pour of bourbon that’s known as the Aspen Crud and that originated during Prohibition, a boozy shake flying under the radar as a dessert.
—Brittany Anas, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024
Acqua di Gio gives off a sensual blend of bergamot and bourbon at 25% off, and A Hold on Me has sweet notes of tiger lily and berries and is discounted by 40%.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bourbon 
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.
Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 Nov. 2024
While bourbon and rye might not be the most important issues on the minds of those who are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the election, which at this point is most of us, the American whiskey industry is certainly paying close attention.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024
Speaking of the luxury hotel, sidle up to its onsite J-Bar for a milkshake with a heavy pour of bourbon that’s known as the Aspen Crud and that originated during Prohibition, a boozy shake flying under the radar as a dessert.
—Brittany Anas, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024
Acqua di Gio gives off a sensual blend of bergamot and bourbon at 25% off, and A Hold on Me has sweet notes of tiger lily and berries and is discounted by 40%.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bourbon
Articles Related to bourbon
Dictionary Entries Near bourbon
Cite this Entry
“Bourbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bourbon. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Bourbon
biographical name
Bour·bon
ˈbu̇r-bən 
bu̇r-ˈbōⁿ
Charles de 1490–1527 Duc de Bourbon French general; constable of France
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share