variants or whisky
plural whiskeys or whiskies
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
The distillery is just beginning to age the whiskey, which will allow the flavors to develop and become more complex. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024 His children, Alex and Irina Kogan, run World Whiskey Society, and consider this whiskey a tribute to their father’s legacy. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024 The oak-forward baking spice carries over from the nose and builds with each sip; at 95 proof, this is a flavorful whiskey with plenty of structure in the mouth. David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024 The venue will include an indoor bar and lounge, an outdoor terrace, and two private dining areas, one of which will house a premium whiskey library. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near whiskey

Cite this Entry

“Whiskey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiskey. Accessed 11 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

whiskey

noun
whis·​key
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
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

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