What does "alcoholic" mean?

1. (containing alcohol) containing alcohol, like beer, wine, or vodka. 2. (related to alcohol) related to alcohol or the effects it has on the body. 3. (a person with an addiction) someone who is addicted to alcohol and cannot stop drinking it.

How do you use "alcoholic"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes.

alcoholic

adj. · n.

US //ˌæɫkəˈhɑɫɪk// UK //ˌælkəhˈɒlɪk// al·co·holic

1 containing alcohol (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

containing alcohol, like beer, wine, or vodka.

containing a significant or intoxicating amount of ethyl alcohol.

Example

The restaurant serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the party.

Example

The brewery produces a wide range of alcoholic beverages, though they have recently expanded into the growing market for zero-percent alternatives.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- non alcoholic
- soft
2 related to alcohol (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

related to alcohol or the effects it has on the body.

pertaining to, caused by, or characteristic of alcohol or alcoholism.

Example

The doctor explained the risks of alcoholic liver disease to the patient.

Example

The patient presented with several symptoms of alcoholic gastritis, necessitating a strict dietary and lifestyle intervention.

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3 a person with an addiction (n.)
B1 Intermediate

someone who is addicted to alcohol and cannot stop drinking it.

a person suffering from alcoholism; an individual with a chronic dependency on alcoholic beverages.

Example

He has been a recovering alcoholic for ten years and hasn't had a drink since.

Example

The support group provides a safe environment for recovering alcoholics to share their experiences and maintain their sobriety.

Teacher's tip

While 'alcoholic' is a standard term, in modern medical contexts, phrases like 'person with alcohol use disorder' are often preferred to avoid labeling the individual by their condition.
- drunkard
- teetotaler

Origin

Etymology tree Akkadian 𒎎𒋆𒁉𒍣𒁕 (guḫlum)bor. Aramaic כוחלא (kuḥlā)bor. Arabic كُحْل (kuḥl) Andalusian Arabic اَلْكُحُول (al-kuḥūl)bor. Medieval Latin alcoholder. Middle English alcofol English alcohol Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Italic *-kos Latin -cus Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ik English -ic English alcoholic First attested 1891, from alcohol + -ic.