cocktail

¹ American  

[kok-teyl] / ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of various mixed drinks, consisting typically of gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, or brandy, with different admixtures, as vermouth, fruit juices, or flavorings, usually chilled and frequently sweetened.

2. a portion of food, as seafood served with a sauce or a mixture of fruits cut into pieces, served as an appetizer or first course.

   a shrimp cocktail;

   a fruit cocktail.

3. a mixture of various drugs usually a beverage or solution.

   a liquid drug cocktail for terminal patients;

   a cocktail of pills taken twice a day.

4. any diverse mixture of elements, especially one with a powerful effect.

   an impressive cocktail of skills and experiences.

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verb (used without object)

1. to drink cocktails, especially at a cocktail party.

   They cocktailed before going to the theater.

adjective

1. (of women's clothing) styled for semiformal wear.

   a knee-length cocktail dress.

2. of, pertaining to, used in, or suitable to the serving of cocktails.

   cocktail onions;

   cocktail napkins.

cocktail ² American  

[kok-teyl] / ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. a horse with a docked tail.

2. a horse that is not a thoroughbred.

3. a man of little breeding who passes for a gentleman.

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cocktail ¹ British  

/ ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. 1. any mixed drink with a spirit base, usually drunk before meals

   2. ( as modifier )

      the cocktail hour

2. an appetizer of seafood, mixed fruits, etc

3. any combination of diverse elements, esp one considered potent

4. (modifier) appropriate for formal occasions

   a cocktail dress

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cocktail ² British  

/ ˈkɒkˌteɪl /

noun

1. a horse with a docked tail

2. an animal of unknown or mixed breeding

3. archaic a person of little breeding pretending to be a gentleman

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Etymology

Origin of cocktail¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10; origin obscure; none of numerous attempts to explain the origin of this word or its relationship to cocktail ² have won general acceptance

Origin of cocktail²

First recorded in 1750–60; cock ² + tail ¹

Example Sentences

To finish, he served a dish dedicated to his wife's family - a twist on the Brandy Alexander cocktail.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

A good cocktail could cost you $15 to $20.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Time Out, a publication known for directing people towards trendy restaurants and cocktail bars, is also trying to help the public navigate the war.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Visitors are handed a sturdy cocktail menu featuring signature cocktails and mocktails and “light fare” for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

But I am not their blood, the ground doesn’t care who digs it, I am a stranger at a cocktail party.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

Related Words

• aperitif
• appetizer
• drink
• wine