goldwater: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical / Historical / (Proper Noun)
Quick answer
What does “goldwater” mean?
An alcoholic beverage made by distilling herbs, roots, or other botanicals in a base of high-proof alcohol.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An alcoholic beverage made by distilling herbs, roots, or other botanicals in a base of high-proof alcohol; a strong herbal liqueur or flavored spirit.
Historically, a generic term for various homemade or artisanal distilled herbal spirits. It can also be a surname (e.g., Barry Goldwater, U.S. politician).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, the term as a common noun is archaic. The surname is equally recognized due to the prominence of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater.
Connotations
As a beverage: historical, rustic, possibly medicinal. As a surname: strongly associated with 20th-century American conservatism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency as a common noun in both. The surname has higher recognition in American English due to political history.
Grammar
How to Use “goldwater” in a Sentence
[make/distill] goldwater[drink/sip] goldwater[bottle of] goldwaterVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in historical texts on food, drink, or folk medicine.
Everyday
Extremely rare; potentially recognized only as a surname.
Technical
Used in niche discussions of historical distilling practices.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goldwater”
- Capitalizing it when referring to the drink (it's a common noun).
- Using it to refer to modern commercial spirits like gin or vodka.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare and largely archaic term for a type of spirit. It is most recognized as the surname of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater.
No. Bartenders would not understand it. You would need to ask for a specific modern spirit like a herbal liqueur or digestif.
When referring to the surname, yes. When referring to the historical beverage, it is typically written in lowercase as a common noun.
There is no direct linguistic connection. The surname is of English or German origin (often occupational or locational), while the drink's name is descriptive ('gold' implying quality or colour).
An alcoholic beverage made by distilling herbs, roots, or other botanicals in a base of high-proof alcohol.
Goldwater is usually technical / historical / (proper noun) in register.
Goldwater: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊldˌwɔːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊldˌwɔːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for the common noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GOLD' as valuable and 'WATER' as a liquid. Historically, a valuable (or potent) liquid made from herbs.
Conceptual Metaphor
POTENCY IS VALUE (a strong spirit is like liquid gold).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'goldwater' primarily known as in contemporary English?