whiskey

1 of 2

noun

whis·​key ˈ(h)wi-skē 

variants or whisky

plural whiskeys or whiskies

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

Noun

All of the subsequent releases have varied in proof and age, but all have been drawn from barrels aged at Camp Nelson in an attempt to highlight what effect that environment has on the whiskey. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026

The whiskey opens with orange zest, caramel, dark chocolate, and toasted marshmallow, along with nutty oak. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2026

In the meantime, customers will find a varied menu of craft cocktails, fine wines and whiskey. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

At snif, shop the fall fragrance collection featuring the Pumpkin Smash candle, body whip and body wash, with notes of pumpkin spice, cinnamon stick, whiskey, brûléed orange, salted maple and roasted chocolate. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing whiskey

• blended whiskey
• corn whiskey
• Irish whiskey
• malt whiskey
• rye whiskey
• whiskey sour

Rhymes for whiskey

• frisky
• risky
• whisky

Kids Definition

whiskey

noun

whis·​key

variants or whisky

ˈhwis-kē 

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- 

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