gin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “gin” mean?
A clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt and flavoured with juniper berries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt and flavoured with juniper berries.
Also: 1) A type of cotton gin (machine for separating cotton from its seeds). 2) A card game, or a hand in such a game. 3) A trap or snare (archaic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage largely identical. 'Gin' in the card game context ('gin rummy') is more common in US naming. The cotton gin is a more prominent historical reference in US culture.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with gin palaces (historical) and the modern gin revival. US: Associated with classic cocktails (Martini) and, historically, Prohibition-era 'bathtub gin'.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK due to cultural prominence and recent craft gin boom.
Grammar
How to Use “gin” in a Sentence
have [a glass of] gindrink gindistil ginmix gin with [tonic]pour [someone] a ginVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to gin up some enthusiasm for the fundraiser. (rare, US influence)
American English
- Politicians will often gin up outrage before an election.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverbial use.)
American English
- (No common adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- He had a gin-soaked smile. (metaphorical)
- The gin-clear water of the lake.
American English
- She preferred a gin-clear conscience.
- The argument was gin-clear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the spirits industry, e.g., 'The gin segment showed 5% growth.'
Academic
In historical studies, e.g., 'The Gin Act of 1751.'
Everyday
Social drinking, ordering at a bar, e.g., 'I'll have a gin and tonic, please.'
Technical
In distillation or mixology, discussing botanicals, proof, or production methods.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gin”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gin”
- Misspelling as 'jin'.
- Using 'gin' as a generic term for all clear spirits (e.g., vodka).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are clear spirits, gin is defined by its predominant flavour of juniper berries, whereas vodka is meant to be neutral.
It's a style of gin, not a geographical indicator. It must be distilled to a high proof with all flavours coming from botanicals during distillation, with no artificial flavours added afterwards.
Primarily in American English, it means to stir up or generate something, often artificially (e.g., 'to gin up support').
It's a machine invented by Eli Whitney that quickly and efficiently separates cotton fibres from their seeds. It's unrelated to the drink.
A clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt and flavoured with juniper berries.
Gin is usually informal/technical in register.
Gin: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gin up (US: to stir up, excite)”
- “gin mill (US, archaic: a bar)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GIN: Juniper Is Necessary. (Highlights the defining juniper flavour.)
Conceptual Metaphor
Gin as a social lubricant ('break the ice with a gin'), gin as sophistication ('a gin-soaked soirée'), gin as a trap (archaic 'gin' meaning snare).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary flavouring agent in gin?