noun
Common
vodka
VOD-kuh
Vodka (noun) means a strong, clear spirit distilled mainly from grain or potatoes, typically with little flavor of its own. Example: “The chef poured a little vodka into the sauce to bring out the flavour.”
noun
1
A strong, clear spirit distilled mainly from grain or potatoes, typically with little flavor of its own.
"The chef poured a little vodka into the sauce to bring out the flavour."
"She mixed vodka with orange juice for a screwdriver."
"Vodka is traditionally served ice cold in small glasses."
2
A single serving or glass of this drink.
"She asked the barman for a vodka with lemonade and plenty of ice."
"After the show, we shared a round of vodkas to celebrate."
"He ordered a vodka and tonic at the bar."
How to use vodka
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA clear, strong spirit often drunk neat, chilled, or mixed into cocktails.
Common pairings
vodka and tonic
shot of vodka
neat vodka
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Word forms
- Plural
- vodkas
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The chef poured a little _____ into the sauce to bring out the flavour.
Etymology
From Russian vodka, a diminutive of voda ("water") — literally something like "little water."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “vodka” mean?
The word “vodka” means a strong, clear spirit distilled mainly from grain or potatoes, typically with little flavor of its own. In plain terms, a clear, strong spirit often drunk neat, chilled, or mixed into cocktails.
How do you pronounce “vodka”?
“Vodka” is pronounced VOD-kuh (/ˈvɑdkə/ in IPA).
How do you use “vodka” in a sentence?
Here is “vodka” used in a sentence: “She mixed vodka with orange juice for a screwdriver.”
What part of speech is “vodka”?
“Vodka” is a noun.
Where does the word “vodka” come from?
The word “vodka” comes from Russian. From Russian vodka, a diminutive of voda ("water") — literally something like "little water.".
Is “vodka” a common word?
“Vodka” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “vodka” have?
“Vodka” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong, clear spirit distilled mainly from grain or potatoes, typically with little flavor of its own.
What is the difference between 'vodka' and other clear spirits like gin?
Vodka is distilled mainly from grain or potatoes and is typically designed to have little flavor of its own, while gin starts similarly but is then flavored with botanicals like juniper. This lack of strong inherent flavor is what makes vodka especially popular as a neutral base for mixed drinks.
Can 'vodka' refer to a single drink, not just the spirit itself?
Yes, 'vodka' can also mean a single serving or glass of the drink, as in 'I'll have a vodka' when ordering at a bar. Context makes clear whether the general spirit or one particular serving is meant.
What is 'vodka' traditionally made from?
Vodka is traditionally distilled mainly from grain or potatoes, though some modern varieties use other base ingredients like grapes or sugar. Its production process aims for a strong, clear spirit with minimal distinctive taste.
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