Alcohol: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is commonly used in formal and medical contexts. It is also appropriate in everyday conversation when referring to alcoholic beverages in general.

• Consuming too much alcohol can be harmful to your health.
• Do you have any alcohol in the house?

This term is used to refer specifically to strong alcoholic drinks, such as whiskey, vodka, or rum. It can be used both in formal and informal settings, but it is more precise than 'alcohol'.

• She prefers drinking liquor over beer or wine.
• The store has a wide selection of liquor.

This term is often used in the alcohol industry and is another way to refer to strong alcoholic beverages like whiskey, vodka, and gin. It can be used in both formal contexts and in marketing.

• Gin and vodka are popular spirits.
• The bar offers a variety of spirits.

This is a more informal and colloquial term for alcohol. It is often used in casual conversations and can carry a slightly negative or irreverent connotation.

• Let's grab some booze for the party tonight.
• Too much booze can lead to a terrible hangover.

General term for beverages containing ethanol and for chemical substances used in multiple contexts.

• He decided to quit drinking alcohol for health reasons
• Alcohol can be found in antiseptics

Technical term for the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Used in scientific, medical, and industrial contexts.

• The laboratory uses ethanol for cleaning equipment
• Ethanol is the active ingredient in vodka

A type of alcohol that is highly toxic to humans, used primarily as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, and fuel.

• Methanol can cause serious health problems if ingested
• It's used as an antifreeze in cold weather

Often referred to as isopropyl alcohol, used primarily as a disinfectant and in industrial processes.

• The wound was cleaned with isopropanol
• Isopropanol is used in making hand sanitizers