whiskey

1 of 2

noun

whis·​key ˈ(h)wi-skē How to pronounce whiskey (audio)
variants or whisky
plural whiskeys or whiskies
Synonyms of whiskeynext
1
: a liquor distilled from fermented wort (such as that obtained from rye, corn, or barley mash)
2
: a drink of whiskey

Whiskey

2 of 2

communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter w

Examples of whiskey 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.
Noun
There are light, bubbly options such as the Disaronno Spritz and cucumber-and-herb McQueen Cucumber Refresher, as well as classics like the Tom Collins and whiskey-forward Sagamore Sour. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The 2,250-square-foot whiskey distillery at Mout Vernon was one of the largest in early America. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Kudos to Martin for not playing it safe and taking a chance here, and there are certainly going to be many whiskey drinkers who enjoy what this release has to offer. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026 Pioneers Hancock and Willis Lee began making whiskey along the banks of the Kentucky River, where Buffalo Trace stands today. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whiskey

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Irish uisce beatha & Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha, literally, water of life

First Known Use

Noun

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiskey was in 1715

Phrases Containing whiskey

Rhymes for whiskey

See All Rhymes for whiskey

Browse Nearby Words

whiskery
whiskey
Whiskey
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whiskey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiskey. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

whiskey

noun
whis·​key
variants or whisky
ˈhwis-kē How to pronounce whiskey (audio)
ˈwis-
plural whiskeys or whiskies
: an alcoholic liquor made from grain (as rye, corn, or barley)
Etymology

Noun

from uisce beatha, a phrase in Irish (the ancient language of Ireland) and isuge beatha, a phrase in Scottish Gaelic (the ancient language of Scotland), both meaning literally "water of life"

Medical Definition

whiskey

noun
whis·​key
variants or whisky
ˈhwis-kē, ˈwis- How to pronounce whiskey (audio)
plural whiskeys or whiskies
: a liquor that is distilled from the fermented mash of grain (as rye, corn, or barley) and was formerly used medicinally as a sedative and vasodilator

More from Merriam-Webster on whiskey

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for whiskey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whiskey

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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