noun
Common
spirits
SPIH-rihts
Spirits (noun) means Strong distilled alcoholic drinks, such as whisky, vodka, or rum. Example: “He doesn't drink spirits, only a glass of wine with dinner.”
noun
1
Strong distilled alcoholic drinks, such as whisky, vodka, or rum.
"He doesn't drink spirits, only a glass of wine with dinner."
"The shop sells a wide range of spirits, from gin to brandy."
"The bar's shelves were lined with imported spirits."
How to use spirits
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDistilled liquors as a category, distinct from beer or wine.
Common pairings
wine, beer and spirits
a bottle of spirits
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He doesn't drink _____, only a glass of wine with dinner.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “spirits” mean?
The word “spirits” means strong distilled alcoholic drinks, such as whisky, vodka, or rum. In plain terms, distilled liquors as a category, distinct from beer or wine.
How do you pronounce “spirits”?
“Spirits” is pronounced SPIH-rihts (/ˈspɪɹɪts/ in IPA).
How do you use “spirits” in a sentence?
Here is “spirits” used in a sentence: “The bar's shelves were lined with imported spirits.”
What part of speech is “spirits”?
“Spirits” is a noun.
Is “spirits” a common word?
“Spirits” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "spirits" and "liquor"?
Both words describe strong, distilled alcoholic drinks such as whisky, vodka, and rum. "Spirits" is more common in British English, while "liquor" is the usual term in American English.
What is the difference between "spirits" and wine or beer?
"Spirits" are distilled drinks with a much higher alcohol content, such as whisky, vodka, or rum. Wine and beer are made by fermentation and are generally weaker in alcohol.
What counts as "spirits"?
"Spirits" refers to strong distilled alcoholic drinks, including whisky, vodka, rum, gin, brandy, and tequila. The defining feature is that they are distilled, which gives them a high alcohol content.
What is the difference between "spirits" and "liqueurs"?
"Spirits" are strong, distilled drinks that are usually not sweetened. Liqueurs are spirits that have been sweetened and flavored, for example with fruit, herbs, or cream, making them milder and sweeter.
