any of various mixed drinks, consisting typically of gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, or brandy, with different admixtures, as vermouth, fruit juices, or flavorings, usually chilled and frequently sweetened.
a portion of food, as seafood served with a sauce or a mixture of fruits cut into pieces, served as an appetizer or first course: a shrimp cocktail;a fruit cocktail.
a mixture of various drugs, usually a beverage or solution: a liquid drug cocktail for terminal patients;a cocktail of pills taken twice a day.
any diverse mixture of elements, especially one with a powerful effect: an impressive cocktail of skills and experiences.
verb (used without object)
to drink cocktails, especially at a cocktail party: They cocktailed before going to the theater.
adjective
(of women's clothing) styled for semiformal wear: a knee-length cocktail dress.
of, pertaining to, used in, or suitable to the serving of cocktails: cocktail onions; cocktail napkins.
Origin of cocktail
1
An Americanism first recorded in 1800–10, origin obscure; none of numerous attempts to explain the origin of this word or its relationship to cocktail2 have won general acceptance
At least 33 states and the District of Columbia are temporarily allowing cocktails to-go during the pandemic.
Number of states allowing to-go cocktails has surged from 2 to 33 during coronavirus|Lee Clifford|August 24, 2020|Fortune
This reduces demand for all types of liquors, but particularly high-end liquors used for cocktails.
Covid-19 and a trade war are a deadly mix for US liquor imports|Dan Kopf|August 21, 2020|Quartz
For straightforward scenarios like this one, the calculation might fit on a cocktail napkin.
The Mathematical Structure of Particle Collisions Comes Into View|Charlie Wood|August 20, 2020|Quanta Magazine
Catching the trend of cocktails called quarantinis and registered racehorse names like Wearamask, two fungal species now have pandemic-inspired monikers.
How two new fungus species got named after the COVID-19 pandemic|Susan Milius|August 17, 2020|Science News
Companies like Regeneron are looking at a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies to hit at multiple points.
We Don’t Have to Despair - Issue 88: Love & Sex|Robert Bazell|August 12, 2020|Nautilus
The lucky recipient gets to choose from a selection of gifts ranging from cocktail kits to packages of wine and premium spirits.
The Daily Beast’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Don Draper in Your Life|Allison McNearney|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Old-Fashioned is the crème of the cocktail crop—according to Don Draper, at least.
The Daily Beast’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Don Draper in Your Life|Allison McNearney|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She said that her co-star, Alfre Woodard, talked to her about it a cocktail party that night.
It’s Time to Stop Hating Katherine Heigl|Kevin Fallon|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was a first-class lounge with a sunken well and cocktail bar.
The Sexy Dream of the 747|Clive Irving|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Or what if an ingredient in your beer or cocktail machines has gone bad without knowing it?
How Much Do You Tip A Robot Bartender?|Kayleigh Kulp|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He fidgeted about the room for a while, ordered a cocktail, and lighted a cigarette.
A Modern Chronicle, Complete|Winston Churchill
It performs the same office as the American cocktail, but is oftener taken, is more popular and more respectable.
Overland through Asia; Pictures of Siberian, Chinese, and Tartar Life|Thomas Wallace Knox
He elevated his second cocktail, speaking in the slightly raised tone of one who is accustomed to the attention of all listeners.
The Salamander|Owen Johnson
Place three tablespoons of rhubarb conserve in a cocktail glass.
Mrs. Wilson's Cook Book|Mary A. Wilson
I whistled and sang, and took a cocktail on the strength of it.
A Tramp's Notebook|Morley Roberts
British Dictionary definitions for cocktail (1 of 2)
cocktail1
/ (ˈkɒkˌteɪl) /
noun
any mixed drink with a spirit base, usually drunk before meals
(as modifier)the cocktail hour
an appetizer of seafood, mixed fruits, etc
any combination of diverse elements, esp one considered potent
(modifier)appropriate for formal occasionsa cocktail dress
Word Origin for cocktail
C19: of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for cocktail (2 of 2)
cocktail2
/ (ˈkɒkˌteɪl) /
noun
a horse with a docked tail
an animal of unknown or mixed breeding
archaica person of little breeding pretending to be a gentleman
Word Origin for cocktail
C19: originally cocktailed (adj) having a tail like a cock's
How To Name A CocktailThe cocktail renaissance of the 21st century, in which craft-cocktail bars have proliferated and classic cocktails are back in fashion, has proved that there is a true art to inventing and mixing drinks. But, what about naming them?
READ MORE
Words related to cocktail
drink, appetizer, aperitif, wine, mixed drink
Medical definitions for cocktail
cocktail
[ kŏk′tāl ]
n.
A mixture of drugs, usually in solution, for the diagnosis or treatment of a condition.
A treatment regimen that includes a combination of several drugs that enhances their individual potency.