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

Explanation

A cocktail is an alcoholic mixed drink that’s usually served in a short glass. If you have too many cocktails, you may not find your way home. A cocktail will usually contain some type of hard liquor — such as gin or whiskey — mixed with something else. For example, a screwdriver cocktail is vodka mixed with orange juice. Many cocktails are mixed with some type of fruit juice, which hides the alcohol's taste. The word is also used as an adjective to describe things associated with these popular beverages. You might, for example, buy a new cocktail party dress to wear to an upcoming cocktail party. How smashing!

Example Sentences

“Bring it on,” he’ll say when a bartender asks him if he wants a flower with his cocktail, anticipating once again that perfect blend of color, scent and taste.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

That seemingly contradictory cocktail might make her a patron saint for a generation lost to the norms but seeking what feels like meaning.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

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

Jeopardy The only sounds, teeth munching melon and strawberry from Mom’s fruit cocktail dessert and Alex Trebek’s annoying voice: This fourteen-time NBA all-star also played minor-league baseball for the Birmingham Barons.

From "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander

Related Words

• aperitif
• appetizer
• drink
• wine