cocktail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (common in informal, social, and culinary contexts)
Quick answer
What does “cocktail” mean?
A mixed alcoholic drink, typically consisting of spirits combined with other ingredients like fruit juice, liqueurs, or syrups.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mixed alcoholic drink, typically consisting of spirits combined with other ingredients like fruit juice, liqueurs, or syrups.
Any mixture or combination of disparate elements; a dish consisting of small pieces of food, often seafood or fruit, served cold as a starter; a tuxedo suit for formal evening wear (dated).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use all senses. The tuxedo sense ('cocktail dress', 'cocktail party') is slightly more established in AmE. The food starter sense (e.g., 'fruit cocktail') is common in both.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In social contexts, can connote sophistication or festivity. In medical/figurative contexts (e.g., 'drug cocktail'), it can have negative connotations of danger or unpredictability.
Frequency
High and equal frequency for the drink sense. The 'mixture' sense is frequent in journalism and technical writing in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cocktail” in a Sentence
cocktail of [mixture]cocktail [as modifier] + noun (cocktail party)to have a cocktailto mix/shake a cocktailVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cocktail” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bartender will cocktail the ingredients expertly.
- We decided to cocktail a new signature drink for the event.
American English
- He offered to cocktail us something special.
- They love to cocktail at home on Fridays.
adverb
British English
- The event was organised quite cocktail, with passed hors d'oeuvres. (Rare/Non-standard)
American English
- They served the drinks cocktail-style. (Rare/Non-standard)
adjective
British English
- It was a cocktail occasion, so dress smartly.
- She wore a lovely cocktail dress.
American English
- We're having a cocktail party this weekend.
- The menu featured several cocktail appetizers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figuratively: 'a cocktail of economic factors'; also refers to networking events ('cocktail reception').
Academic
Used in pharmacology/medicine: 'a cocktail of antibiotics.' In social sciences: 'a cultural cocktail.'
Everyday
Primarily the drink: 'Let's grab a cocktail after work.' Also food: 'I'll have the prawn cocktail to start.'
Technical
In bartending: specific recipes and techniques. In chemistry/engineering: 'a cocktail of chemicals.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cocktail”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cocktail”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cocktail”
- Using 'a cocktail' to mean a single spirit (e.g., 'a whiskey cocktail' is mixed, not just whiskey).
- Misspelling as 'coktail' or 'cockteil'.
- Overusing the figurative sense in informal contexts where 'mix' or 'combination' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's a common portmanteau of 'mock' and 'cocktail' for a non-alcoholic mixed drink.
They are often synonymous, but 'cocktail' can imply a more elaborate, recipe-based drink, while 'mixed drink' is broader (e.g., spirit + mixer).
Yes, though it's less common. It means to mix or prepare as a cocktail (e.g., 'to cocktail ingredients'). It is industry/jargon use.
This is a dated term from the early 20th century, referring to semi-formal evening wear suitable for 'cocktail parties'. The term 'cocktail dress' survives from this.
A mixed alcoholic drink, typically consisting of spirits combined with other ingredients like fruit juice, liqueurs, or syrups.
Cocktail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkteɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkteɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Molotov cocktail”
- “cocktail hour”
- “cocktail party”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a colourful rooster's (cock's) tail feathers - it's as mixed and vibrant as the drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EVENTS ARE DRINKS ('a heady cocktail of emotions'), MIXTURES ARE DRINKS ('a cocktail of drugs').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cocktail' LEAST likely to refer to an alcoholic drink?