Moonshiner: meaning, definitions and examples

Repeating the term 'moonshiner' as it was listed twice, this definition remains the same as listed above. It focuses on illegal homemade alcohol production, often secretly.

• See 'moonshiner' above for examples

Bootlegger is often used to describe someone who transports and sells illegal alcohol. This term is also historically connected to the Prohibition era but focuses more on the distribution aspect.

• During the 1920s, bootleggers would smuggle alcohol across state lines
• The notorious bootlegger was caught by the police with a car full of illegal whiskey

This word generally refers to someone who makes distilled spirits, whether legally or illegally. It is neutral and can be used in a legal or an illicit context.

• John is a skilled distiller who produces award-winning whiskey
• The distiller used an old family recipe to make his moonshine

This is a formal and general term for someone who manufactures alcohol illegally. It lacks the historical or regional connotations and is more neutral in tone but indicates the illegal nature of the activity.

• The authorities shut down the operation of an illicit alcohol producer
• He was known in the community as an illicit alcohol producer, working out of his basement