# spirits

/ˈspɪɹɪts/ (US) · /spˈɪɹɪts/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. mood or feelings

noun · CEFR B2

the way you feel at a particular time, especially if you are happy or hopeful.

For teachers: a person's emotional state or level of enthusiasm. Usually plural; often modified by adjectives like 'high' or 'low'.

- The team was in high spirits after winning the final game of the season.
- Despite the initial setbacks, the crew remained in good spirits, confident that the repairs would be completed before the storm arrived.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form when referring to mood.

### 2. strong alcohol

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

strong alcoholic drinks, such as whiskey, vodka, or gin.

For teachers: distilled alcoholic beverages as opposed to fermented ones like beer or wine.

- The bar serves a wide variety of beers, wines, and spirits.
- The import tax on spirits has risen sharply, affecting the retail price of premium gin and scotch whiskey.

Usage: Commonly used in British, Australian, and New Zealand English; American English speakers typically prefer 'liquor'.

## Examples

- The good news lifted her spirits immediately.
- Despite the rainy weather, the team remained in high spirits as they prepared for the final match.
- The general's visit to the front lines was intended to bolster the flagging spirits of the troops after weeks of heavy losses and low morale.

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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.