margarita: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “margarita” mean?
A cocktail typically made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, often served in a glass with a salted rim.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cocktail typically made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, often served in a glass with a salted rim.
1. The cocktail as described. 2. A type of pizza with a specific topping combination (often involving tomato, mozzarella, and basil). 3. A female given name of Spanish origin meaning 'daisy' or 'pearl'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The cocktail sense is universally understood. The pizza sense ('Pizza Margherita') is slightly more common in UK menus, often listed with its Italian name, while in the US, 'margarita pizza' is a standard menu item.
Connotations
In both varieties, the cocktail connotes leisure, celebration, or Mexican cuisine. The name connotes Hispanic/Latino culture.
Frequency
The cocktail sense is significantly more frequent than the pizza sense in general spoken English. The name is common in Spanish-speaking communities.
Grammar
How to Use “margarita” in a Sentence
[Subject] ordered/drank/sipped a margarita.[Bartender] made/mixed/shook a margarita.[We] shared a pitcher of margaritas.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “margarita” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We might margarita later if the sun's out.
American English
- Let's margarita after work!
adjective
British English
- She's in a very margarita mood.
American English
- It was a margarita-fueled evening.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/tourism contexts (e.g., 'Our bar's margarita sales increased by 20%').
Academic
Very rare, except in cultural, historical, or culinary studies.
Everyday
Very common in social/dining contexts (e.g., discussing drinks, ordering at a restaurant).
Technical
In mixology/bartending: specific recipes, ratios, and techniques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “margarita”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “margarita”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “margarita”
- Misspelling as 'margerita', 'margherita' (the latter is correct for the pizza).
- Using as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I like margarita' vs. 'I like margaritas/a margarita').
- Confusing the cocktail with a 'daiquiri' (rum-based) or 'mojito' (mint-based).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but 'virgin' or 'mocktail' margaritas exist without alcohol.
'Margarita' is Spanish/Latin for the name and cocktail. 'Margherita' is Italian, famously used for the pizza named after Queen Margherita.
Informally and humorously, yes (e.g., 'Let's margarita!'), but it's not standard formal usage.
The salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors of the drink and is a traditional part of the serving style.
A cocktail typically made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, often served in a glass with a salted rim.
Margarita is usually informal to neutral in register.
Margarita: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.ɡərˈiː.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːr.ɡəˈriː.t̬ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life's a beach, then you need a margarita.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine MARGARET (a common name) sitting on a RITA (a jetty) in Mexico, drinking a tequila cocktail. MARGARET-on-RITA -> MARGARITA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MARGARITA IS A VACATION/CELEBRATION (e.g., 'This drink is a mini holiday').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'margarita' LEAST likely to refer to a cocktail?