cocktail
n. · v.-
1 mixed drink (n.) B1 Intermediatea drink made by mixing different types of alcohol with fruit juice or other flavours.
an alcoholic beverage consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, bitters, or cream.
ExampleThe waiter brought us a fruity cocktail with a slice of lime on the glass.
ExampleThe bartender prepared a classic gin cocktail, carefully balancing the botanical notes with fresh citrus and a dash of aromatic bitters.
- mixed drink
- aperitif
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2 a mixture (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea mixture of different things, often ones that react together or cause a strong effect.
a combination of diverse elements, substances, or factors, often resulting in a potent or volatile effect.
ExampleThe patient was taking a cocktail of different medications to treat the infection.
ExampleThe city's air quality was affected by a dangerous cocktail of industrial pollutants and heavy traffic exhaust during the heatwave.
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3 appetizer (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Cookinga cold dish served at the start of a meal, usually containing seafood.
a cold appetizer typically consisting of pieces of seafood served in a piquant sauce.
ExampleWe ordered a prawn cocktail to share before our main course arrived.
ExampleThe traditional shrimp cocktail remains a popular choice on the restaurant's starter menu, served with a spicy horseradish sauce.
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4 to mix substances (v.) C2 Proficiency Technical Technicalto mix different things together, especially fuel or chemicals.
to adulterate or modify a substance, such as fuel, by mixing in other components.
ExampleThe mechanics were warned not to cocktail the fuel with cheaper additives.
ExampleThe investigation revealed that the supplier had been cocktailing the aviation spirit with lower-grade kerosene to increase profit margins.
UsageThe verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
- adulterate
- blend
Early 17th century, from cock (“male bird”) + tail, in the sense “(a horse with its) tail standing up, like a cock’s”. The origin of the extension to “an alcoholic mixed drink” is unknown. One theory is that it refers to a stimulant (gingering), hence a stimulating drink; compare pick-me-up. Another attested use is for non-thoroughbred racehorses: these were considered "cock-tailed" due to their docked tails. This may have led to the term "cocktail" (sense 1) being used for an adulterated spirit.