root beer

American  

noun

1. a carbonated beverage flavored with syrup made from the extracted juices of roots, barks, and herbs that have been fermented with sugar and yeast.

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root beer British  

noun

1. an effervescent drink made from extracts of various roots and herbs

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Etymology

Origin of root beer

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does root-beer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• birch beer vs. root beer

Example Sentences

The broth is still at the center of all things La Mer: Past celebrations have involved “broth-tinis,” which are just cocktails made to resemble the opal liquid with its root beer smell.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Twig's also makes its own-name range of fruit sodas, from root beer to black cherry, and orange to lime.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

“Back then he drank root beer floats,” Schallock said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024

“And maybe if he’s really lucky, we’ll have a root beer float waiting for you in the room,” she told Noorlander.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2023

In one hand he still held the half-empty can of root beer.

From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins