Whiskey: meaning, definitions and examples

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whiskey

[ˈwɪski ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

drink

Whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. It is typically aged in wooden casks, which gives it its distinct flavor. Whiskey is enjoyed by many people around the world and is often consumed neat or with ice.

Synonyms

bourbon, rye, scotch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whiskey	The same as the first entry, but note that 'whiskey' can also be used in a less formal context or when the type of whiskey is not specified or relevant. Let's have some whiskey to celebrate. Do you prefer your whiskey neat or on the rocks?
bourbon	Refers specifically to a type of American whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Often associated with sweetness and vanilla flavors. Commonly used when specifying American whiskies. I prefer bourbon over other types of whiskey for its sweetness. Kentucky is famous for its bourbon production.
scotch	Specific to whiskey that is made in Scotland and usually aged for a minimum of three years. It often has a smoky or peaty flavor due to the use of malted barley. Use this word when talking about Scottish whiskey. Scotch is known for its unique smoky flavor. He always brings back a bottle of scotch when he visits Scotland.
rye	Refers to a type of whiskey made with a high percentage of rye grain. It tends to have a spicier and more robust flavor compared to other types. This word is used when referring to whiskies with strong rye content. Would you like to try this new rye whiskey I bought? Rye whiskey adds a distinctive flavor to cocktails like the Manhattan.

Examples of usage

Would you like a glass of whiskey on the rocks?
He ordered a shot of whiskey at the bar.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

In slang, whiskey can refer to courage or bravery. It is often used in phrases like 'whiskey up' or 'whiskey courage' to describe someone's bold actions or decisions.

Synonyms

boldness, bravery, courage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whiskey	Refers to a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Typically used in social settings, discussions about drinks, or within contexts related to bars, parties, or leisure activities. It can also connote a comforting drink during hard times. He ordered a glass of whiskey to unwind after a long day. Whiskey is a popular drink in many cultures.
courage	Describes the mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Used broadly in both everyday and extraordinary contexts, including personal challenges and moral decisions. It took a lot of courage for her to speak out against injustice. Facing the illness required incredible courage.
bravery	Describes the quality of being ready to face and endure danger or pain. Often used in contexts of heroism, such as firefighters, soldiers, or people who show courage in difficult situations. His bravery during the rescue operation was commendable. The medals honored soldiers' bravery in battle.
boldness	Describes a willingness to take risks and face danger without showing fear. Generally used in contexts that highlight assertiveness and confidence in action or speech, sometimes implying a lack of consideration for danger or the consequences. Her boldness in confronting the CEO surprised everyone. The boldness of the plan impressed the investors.

Examples of usage

She really whiskeys up when she's facing a challenge.
His whiskey courage helped him speak up at the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Irish 'uisce beatha' and the Scottish 'uisge beatha', both meaning 'water of life'.
Whiskey's spelling can differ based on the region, with 'whiskey' used in Ireland and the U.S., and 'whisky' in Scotland and Canada.

Cultural Significance

In Scotland and Ireland, whiskey is often part of traditional celebrations, bringing friends and families together.
The drink is frequently used in various cultural rituals, such as toasting during weddings or honoring ancestors.

Production Process

The production involves a fermentation process, transforming sugars from grains into alcohol with the help of yeast.
Aging in wooden barrels affects the flavor, with many types requiring at least three years of maturation.

Health

In moderation, whiskey has been linked to certain health benefits, such as potentially reducing the risk of some diseases.
It contains antioxidants that can promote heart health and help with relaxation.

Pop Culture

Whiskey appears in various films and books, often symbolizing sophistication or a moment of reflection.
Popular songs across various genres have been written about whiskey, contributing to its cultural significance in music.

Translations

Translations of the word "whiskey" in other languages:

🇵🇹 uísque

🇮🇳 व्हिस्की

🇩🇪 Whiskey

🇮🇩 wiski

🇺🇦 віскі

🇵🇱 whisky

🇯🇵 ウィスキー

🇫🇷 whisky

🇪🇸 whisky

🇹🇷 viski

🇰🇷 위스키

🇸🇦 ويسكي

🇨🇿 whisky

🇸🇰 whisky

🇨🇳 威士忌

🇸🇮 viski

🇮🇸 viskí

🇰🇿 виски

🇬🇪 ვისკი

🇦🇿 viski

🇲🇽 whisky

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,068, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11065 encompass
11066 casually
11067 incapacity
11068 whiskey
11069 intercept
11070 knelt
11071 adapting
...