English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

concoct

kuhn-KOKT

Concoct (verb) means to make something, especially food or a drink, by combining different ingredients. Example: “She concocted a strange cocktail from whatever was left in the cupboard.”

verb
1
To make something, especially food or a drink, by combining different ingredients.
"She concocted a strange cocktail from whatever was left in the cupboard."
"He concocted a marinade of soy sauce, honey, and chilli."
2
To invent a story, plan, or excuse, often a dishonest one.
"The suspect concocted an alibi that quickly fell apart."
"They concocted a scheme to avoid paying the fine."

How to use concoct

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo mix up or invent something — a dish, a drink, or (often) a made-up excuse.

Common mistake

Usually carries a slight suggestion of improvisation or dishonesty when used about stories or plans.

Common pairings
concoct a story concoct a plan concoct a drink

Word forms

more concoct comparative, concocted past tense, concocts plural, concocts singular, most concoct superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “concoct” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ a strange cocktail from whatever was left in the cupboard.

Etymology

From Latin concoquere, "to boil together, digest" — from con- ("together") plus coquere ("to cook").

Origin: Latin

hatch cook up trump up think up think of dream up

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “concoct” mean?

The word “concoct” means to make something, especially food or a drink, by combining different ingredients. In plain terms, to mix up or invent something — a dish, a drink, or (often) a made-up excuse.

How do you pronounce “concoct”?

“Concoct” is pronounced kuhn-KOKT (/kənˈkɒkt/ in IPA).

How do you use “concoct” in a sentence?

Here is “concoct” used in a sentence: “She concocted a strange cocktail from whatever was left in the cupboard.”

What part of speech is “concoct”?

“Concoct” is a verb.

Where does the word “concoct” come from?

The word “concoct” comes from Latin. From Latin concoquere, "to boil together, digest" — from con- ("together") plus coquere ("to cook").

How many meanings does “concoct” have?

“Concoct” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something, especially food or a drink, by combining different ingredients.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial