# alcoholic

/ˌæɫkəˈhɑɫɪk/ (US) · /ˌælkəhˈɒlɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alcoholic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. containing alcohol

adjective · CEFR B1

containing alcohol, like beer, wine, or vodka.

For teachers: containing a significant or intoxicating amount of ethyl alcohol.

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

### 2. related to alcohol

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: pertaining to, caused by, or characteristic of alcohol or alcoholism.

- The doctor explained the risks of alcoholic liver disease to the patient.
- The patient presented with several symptoms of alcoholic gastritis, necessitating a strict dietary and lifestyle intervention.

### 3. a person with an addiction

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- He has been a recovering alcoholic for ten years and hasn't had a drink since.
- The support group provides a safe environment for recovering alcoholics to share their experiences and maintain their sobriety.

Teaching 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.

## Examples

- He joined a support group for alcoholics to help him stay sober.
- The local community center hosts weekly meetings for recovering alcoholics to share their experiences and support one another.
- Sociological studies often examine how the stigma attached to being labeled an alcoholic can prevent individuals from seeking the medical intervention necessary for long-term recovery.

---

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.