whiskey

1 of 2

noun

whis·​key ˈ(h)wi-skē How to pronounce whiskey (audio)
variants or whisky
plural whiskeys or whiskies
Synonyms of whiskeynext
1
: a liquor distilled from fermented wort (such as that obtained from rye, corn, or barley mash)
2
: a drink of whiskey

Whiskey

2 of 2

communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter w

Examples of whiskey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
This new whiskey, State of the Union, is a limited release that, as mentioned before, is meant to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this summer. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026 Courtesy of De Soi With dozens of tequilas, whiskeys, and vodkas financially backed by celebrities, pop star Katy Perry says that she too was frequently pitched plans to launch her own alcohol line. — John Kell, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 That giant wood burning fireplace is the perfect spot to enjoy a whiskey, neat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 No dirty carny putting his hands on you and stinking of whiskey. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whiskey

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Irish uisce beatha & Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha, literally, water of life

First Known Use

Noun

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiskey was in 1715

Phrases Containing whiskey

Rhymes for whiskey

See All Rhymes for whiskey

Browse Nearby Words

whiskery
whiskey
Whiskey
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whiskey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiskey. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

whiskey

noun
whis·​key
variants or whisky
ˈhwis-kē How to pronounce whiskey (audio)
ˈwis-
plural whiskeys or whiskies
: an alcoholic liquor made from grain (as rye, corn, or barley)
Etymology

Noun

from uisce beatha, a phrase in Irish (the ancient language of Ireland) and isuge beatha, a phrase in Scottish Gaelic (the ancient language of Scotland), both meaning literally "water of life"

Medical Definition

whiskey

noun
whis·​key
variants or whisky
ˈhwis-kē, ˈwis- How to pronounce whiskey (audio)
plural whiskeys or whiskies
: a liquor that is distilled from the fermented mash of grain (as rye, corn, or barley) and was formerly used medicinally as a sedative and vasodilator

More from Merriam-Webster on whiskey

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for whiskey

Nglish: Translation of whiskey for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whiskey

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