Cola: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to refer to carbonated beverages that typically have a caramel color and flavor, most famously Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Suitable for casual or brand-specific conversations.

• I'd like a cola with my meal
• Do you prefer cola or root beer?

Widely used in the United States, especially in the Northeast and California, to refer to any carbonated soft drink. Suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.

• Would you like some soda with your pizza? What kind of soda do you serve?

Regional term predominantly used in the Midwest and Northern United States to refer to any carbonated soft drink. Casual and often informal.

• Can you grab me a pop from the fridge? What kind of pop do you have?

Formal term often used in restaurants, menus, and official communications to refer to non-alcoholic carbonated beverages.

• We offer a variety of soft drinks
• I would like a soft drink with no ice, please

Commonly used to refer specifically to a type of carbonated beverage that usually contains caffeine and has a distinctive flavor, often associated with brands like Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

• I'll have a cola with my burger, please.
• The cola they serve here tastes a bit different from what I'm used to.

Used broadly in American English to refer to any carbonated drink. Typically understood in the United States, but may cause confusion in other English-speaking regions.

• Could you grab a soda from the fridge for me?
• They have a wide variety of sodas at this convenience store.

A formal or general term used in various English-speaking regions to denote non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. Suitable for professional or formal settings.

• Can I get a soft drink with my meal?
• The conference room is stocked with soft drinks and snacks.