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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- concocts
- Third person singular
- concocts
- Past tense
- concocted
- Comparative
- more concoct
- Superlative
- most concoct
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").
Synonyms
View more →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.
