Liquor Meaning
/ˈlɪk.ə(ɹ)/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA liquid, a fluid.
nounA beverage, any drinkable liquid.
Sentence Examples
The liquor gave off a sickly odor.
Liquor is not sold at this store.
This liquor has a taste all of its own.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
He ordered a small glass of strong ____ at the bar last night.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The store has a wide selection of fine wines and premium ____ from many different countries around the world.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English licour, from Anglo-Norman licour, from Latin liquor (“fluidity, liquidness, a fluid, a liquid”), from liquere (“to be fluid or liquid”); see liquid. Doublet of liqueur.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Thus Water also, or any other Liquor, included in a convenient vessel, by being warmed, manifestly expands it self with a very great violence […]"
— 1665, Robert Hooke, Micrographia:
"Dreaming when Dawn's Left Hand was in the Sky
I heard a Voice within the Tavern cry,
"Awake, my Little ones, and fill the Cup
Before Life's Liquor in its Cup be dry.""
— 1859, Edward Fitzgerald, The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám: The Astronomer-Poet of Persia, page 1:
"Here the proprietor has had the good sense of holding on to the good old fashion of giving his customers their moneyworth of good wines and liquors."
— 1879, Chas. McArmor, The New Handbook of Vienna […] , 2nd edition, Otto Maass, page 106:
"Liquor fishermen's boots."
— c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene v]:
"cart-wheels squeak not when they are liquored"
— 1627 (indicated as 1626), Francis [Bacon], “II. Century.”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], London: […] William Rawley […]; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […], →OCLC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He ordered a small glass of strong ____ at the bar last night.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The store has a wide selection of fine wines and premium ____ from many different countries around the world.