teetotaler
Teetotaler (noun) means a person who never drinks alcohol at all, as a matter of principle or personal choice. Example: “She has been a teetotaler since her twenties and always drives everyone home.”
How to use teetotaler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who doesn't drink any alcohol.
Neutral and slightly old-fashioned. British English spells it teetotaller, with two l's; American English uses one.
A teetotaler chooses never to drink; someone who is simply sober tonight is not a teetotaler.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She has been a _____ since her twenties and always drives everyone home.
Etymology
From total, with the initial t reduplicated for emphasis (tee-total), a formation that arose in the temperance movement of the early 19th century.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for teetotaler
See all rhymes for teetotaler →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a teetotaler and someone who is sober?
A teetotaler is a person who never drinks alcohol as a standing habit or principle, whether or not they ever had a problem with it. Sober describes a state — not currently under the influence — and is also used of someone in recovery from alcohol dependence. Every teetotaler is sober, but not everyone who is sober is a teetotaler.
Is it spelled teetotaler or teetotaller?
Both are correct. Teetotaler with one l is standard in American English, and teetotaller with two l's is standard in British and Australian English.
Does teetotal have anything to do with tea?
No. Despite the popular story about drinking tea instead of beer, the word comes from repeating the t of total for emphasis — tee-total, meaning totally abstaining. The tea spelling is a coincidence.
What is the meaning of teetotaler?
"teetotaler" (noun) means a person who never drinks alcohol at all, as a matter of principle or personal choice.