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
Glen Levy, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
The board oversees the state’s property tax system as well as the alcoholic beverage tax and tax on insurers.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
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Adjective
Navigating champagne and non-alcoholic beverages notwithstanding, the dream of a first-ever title in just year two of his F1 career can get one step closer to fruition with a third visit to the top step of the podium in Miami on Sunday.
—Glen Levy, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
The board oversees the state’s property tax system as well as the alcoholic beverage tax and tax on insurers.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
As a high-functioning alcoholic whose outbursts manifest as a kaiju on the other side of the world, Hathaway delivers one of her most limber performances in the darkly comic Colossal.
—Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alcoholic
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholic. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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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