Bourbon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bourbon

[ˈbɜː.bən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

drink

a type of American whiskey, distilled from corn, malted barley, and rye.

Synonyms

spirit, whiskey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bourbon

A specific type of American whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It is often used in the context of discussing American heritage, classic cocktails, or specific brands.

  • He poured himself a glass of bourbon after a long day at work.
  • This recipe calls for a splash of bourbon to add depth to the sauce.
whiskey

A general term for distilled alcoholic beverages made from fermented grain mash, which can include bourbon, Scotch, rye, and others. It is used when talking about the drink in a broad sense without specifying the type.

  • Would you like some whiskey with ice?
  • They have a wide selection of whiskeys from around the world.
spirit

A broad term for distilled alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and others. Often used in contexts involving bars, liquor stores, or general discussions about alcoholic drinks.

  • She prefers mixing her cocktails with different types of spirits.
  • This store offers a variety of spirits from many countries.

Examples of usage

  • Would you like a glass of bourbon on the rocks?
  • She ordered a bourbon and coke at the bar.
Context #2 | Noun

history

a member of a French royal family

Synonyms

aristocrat, royal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bourbon

Used historically to refer to the members of the French Royal family, particularly the House of Bourbon.

  • The Bourbon dynasty ruled France for centuries
royal

Used to describe someone who is a member of a royal family or anything related to monarchy and royalty.

  • She was excited to see the royal wedding broadcast on television
aristocrat

Used to describe someone who belongs to the highest social class, often having hereditary titles and privileges.

  • The aristocrat hosted a lavish ball in his grand estate

Examples of usage

  • The Bourbon dynasty ruled France for centuries.
  • The Bourbon family has a long history of power and influence.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Production Process

  • To be called bourbon, the drink must be made from at least 51% corn.
  • It is aged in new charred oak barrels, which gives it its distinct flavor.
  • The aging process can take a minimum of two years, but many premium bourbons are aged longer for richer taste.

Cultural Significance

  • Bourbon is often associated with the Southern United States, especially during the Prohibition era, when it became a staple of speakeasies.
  • In 1964, the United States Congress declared bourbon a 'distinctive product of the United States.'

Pop Culture

  • Bourbon has been featured prominently in movies, songs, and literature, symbolizing sophistication and Southern charm.
  • Famous brands and distilleries often have high-profile advertisements, making it a beloved drink in mainstream culture.

Economics

  • The bourbon industry contributes billions to the U.S. economy, with a large export market in Europe and Asia.
  • Tourism related to bourbon, such as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Origin of 'bourbon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bourbon' is thought to come from Bourbon County in Kentucky, where this whiskey was first made.
  • The name became popular in the 19th century, often used to indicate a specific type of American whiskey.

The word 'bourbon' has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It originally referred to the Bourbon dynasty of French monarchs, who ruled France from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The term later evolved to include the type of American whiskey made primarily from corn. Bourbon whiskey has become a popular spirit worldwide, known for its smooth taste and unique flavor profile.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,746, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.