bourbon
BUR-buhn
Bourbon (noun) means a type of American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in charred new oak barrels. Example: “He poured two fingers of bourbon over ice.”
noun
1
A type of American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in charred new oak barrels.
"He poured two fingers of bourbon over ice."
"The shop sells a smooth bourbon that goes well with a slice of pecan pie."
"Would you like your bourbon neat, or with a little water?"
How to use bourbon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn American whiskey, mostly made from corn, associated especially with Kentucky.
Common pairings
Kentucky bourbon
bourbon on the rocks
a shot of bourbon
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Word forms
- Plural
- bourbons
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He poured two fingers of _____ over ice.
Etymology
Named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, itself named for the French royal House of Bourbon.
Synonyms
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corn whiskey
sour mash whiskey
kentucky whiskey
bourbon and branch
bourbon cream
Bourbon whiskey
Frequently asked questions
What does “bourbon” mean?
The word “bourbon” means a type of American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in charred new oak barrels. In plain terms, an American whiskey, mostly made from corn, associated especially with Kentucky.
How do you pronounce “bourbon”?
“Bourbon” is pronounced BUR-buhn (/ˈbɜː(ɹ).bən/ in IPA).
How do you use “bourbon” in a sentence?
Here is “bourbon” used in a sentence: “He poured two fingers of bourbon over ice.”
What is another word for “bourbon”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bourbon” include bourbon and branch, bourbon cream and Bourbon whiskey.
What part of speech is “bourbon”?
“Bourbon” is a noun.
Where does the word “bourbon” come from?
The word “bourbon” comes from French. Named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, itself named for the French royal House of Bourbon.
Is “bourbon” a common word?
“Bourbon” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in charred new oak barrels, so all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. Whiskey is the broader category that also includes scotch and rye.
What is the difference between bourbon and scotch?
Bourbon is an American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in charred new oak barrels, while scotch is whisky made in Scotland, typically from malted barley. The grain, country of origin, and barrel type set the two apart.
What is the difference between bourbon and rye whiskey?
Bourbon is made mostly from corn, giving it a sweeter flavor, while rye whiskey is made primarily from rye grain, producing a spicier, drier taste. Both are aged in charred new oak barrels but differ in their dominant grain.
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