English Reference
noun

bourbon

n.
US /ˈbɝbən/ UK /bˈɜːbən/ bour·bon UK spelling bourbons

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a type of American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in oak barrels.

    a whiskey distilled in the United States from a grain mash containing at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak containers.

    Simple

    He ordered a glass of bourbon with a single ice cube at the bar.

    In context

    The distillery prides itself on a high-rye bourbon that offers a spicier profile than traditional wheated varieties.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the liquid; countable when referring to a specific brand or a single serving.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    a member of a famous royal family that ruled France and Spain.

    a member of the House of Bourbon, a European royal dynasty of French origin.

    Simple

    The historian gave a lecture on the fall of the Bourbons during the revolution.

    In context

    The restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in 1814 marked a complex period of political transition for the French state.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate British English Cooking

    a popular British chocolate biscuit with chocolate cream in the middle.

    an oblong chocolate-flavoured biscuit consisting of two layers with a chocolate cream filling.

    Simple

    She dipped a bourbon biscuit into her tea while she read the paper.

    In context

    The assorted biscuit tin usually contains a few bourbons, which are often the first to be eaten by the guests.

Will buying California wine, Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky bourbon again mean Canadians wanting those brands will have to walk on eggshells and also duck?

Toronto Sun· 21 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated