curaçao

noun

cu·​ra·​çao ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌsō How to pronounce curaçao (audio)
-ˌsau̇,
ˈku̇r-;
ˌk(y)u̇r-ə-ˈsō,
-ˈsau̇
variants or less commonly curaçoa
ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌsō How to pronounce curaçao (audio)
-ˌsau̇,
ˈku̇r-;
ˌk(y)u̇r-ə-ˈsō,
-ˈsau̇,
 or  ˌkyu̇r-ə-ˈsō-ə
: a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the sour orange

Examples of curaçao in a Sentence

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.
That said, the brandy influence from a curacao, like Grand Marnier or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, brought a welcome oak and vanilla influence alongside the orange, and makes the cocktail richer and fuller, with more meat on the bones. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2024 Just as good, though very different, was to use a curacao, which is oranges on a base of brandy or Cognac, so it’s got orange of course but also Cognac flavor—oak, vanilla, and stone fruit. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Dutch curaçao, from Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curaçao was in 1813

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Curaçao.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cura%C3%A7ao. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Geographical Definition

Curaçao

geographical name

Cu·​ra·​çao ˌku̇r-ə-ˈsau̇ How to pronounce Curaçao (audio)
ˌkyu̇r-,
-ˈsō,
-ˈsä-ˌō
internally self-governing Dutch island in the southern Caribbean; chief town Willemstad area 182 square miles (471 square kilometers), population 150,563

Note: Curaçao was formerly part of Netherlands Antilles.

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