gin
2 synonyms for gin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A clear spirit flavoured mainly with juniper berries, used both on its own and in cocktails.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gin and tonic
cotton gin
gin rummy
Etymology
The drink's name is a shortened form of "geneva", itself from the Dutch word for juniper — nothing to do with the city of Geneva. The machine/trap sense comes from an older word for a clever device or contraption.
Full origin of gin →Frequently asked questions
What does “gin” mean?
The word “gin” means a clear spirit flavoured mainly with juniper berries, used both on its own and in cocktails. In plain terms, most commonly the juniper-flavoured spirit; also an old word for a mechanical device (like the cotton gin) or a small animal trap.
How do you pronounce “gin”?
“Gin” is pronounced jihn (/d͡ʒɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “gin” in a sentence?
Here is “gin” used in a sentence: “She ordered a gin and tonic with a slice of lime.”
What part of speech is “gin”?
“Gin” is a noun.
Where does the word “gin” come from?
The word “gin” comes from Dutch. The drink's name is a shortened form of "geneva", itself from the Dutch word for juniper — nothing to do with the city of Geneva. The machine/trap sense comes from an older word for a clever device or contraption.
Is “gin” a common word?
“Gin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gin” have?
“Gin” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a clear spirit flavoured mainly with juniper berries, used both on its own and in cocktails.
What is the difference between gin and vodka?
Gin is a clear spirit flavoured mainly with juniper berries, giving it a distinctive aromatic taste, while vodka is typically distilled to be as neutral and flavourless as possible. This flavour difference is the main distinction between the two clear spirits.
What is a cotton gin?
A cotton gin is a machine that separates cotton fibre from its seeds, sharing its name with the alcoholic spirit but referring to an entirely different, unrelated meaning of "gin."
What does "gin" mean when it's not the drink?
Besides the juniper-flavoured spirit, "gin" can also refer to a machine that separates cotton fibre from seeds, or to a trap or snare used especially to catch small game.
