# alcohol

/ˈæɫkəˌhɑɫ/ (US) · /ˈælkəhˌɒl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alcohol
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. drinks

noun · CEFR A2

drinks such as beer, wine, or vodka that can make you drunk.

For teachers: beverages containing ethanol, considered collectively. Uncountable in this general sense.

- The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but you can order juice or soda.
- Public health experts recommend limiting the consumption of alcohol to reduce the risk of long-term liver damage and other chronic conditions.

### 2. chemical substance

noun · CEFR B1

a clear liquid used in medicine or industry for cleaning and killing germs.

For teachers: ethanol used as a solvent, fuel, or antiseptic. Often uncountable when referring to the substance generally.

- The nurse cleaned the skin with alcohol before giving the injection.
- Industrial-grade alcohol is frequently used as a solvent in the production of perfumes and various pharmaceutical coatings.

### 3. organic chemistry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a group of chemical compounds that have a specific structure.

For teachers: any of a class of organic compounds characterized by one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom.

- In chemistry class, we learned that wood alcohol is very poisonous.
- The researcher synthesized a new primary alcohol to test its reactivity with various carboxylic acids under acidic conditions.

## Examples

- He does not drink alcohol.
- The doctor advised him to limit his alcohol consumption for health reasons.
- While the social consumption of alcohol is deeply embedded in many cultures, its long-term physiological effects are a significant public health concern.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.