Alcoholic

/ˌæl.kəˈhɒl.ɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is addicted to or dependent on alcohol.

After attending the meeting, he realized he was an alcoholic.

A person who consumes large quantities of alcohol.

His friends often joked that he was an alcoholic because of his frequent drinking.

adjective

Pertaining to or containing alcohol.

He ordered an alcoholic beverage at the bar.

Addicted to or dependent on alcohol.

She has struggled with being an alcoholic for many years.

From 'alcohol' + '-ic', first used in the early 19th century.

functioning alcoholic

A person who manages to maintain a job and normal social interactions while struggling with alcoholism.

dry drunk

A person who abstains from alcohol but still exhibits the behaviors associated with alcoholism.

social drinker

Someone who drinks alcohol only in social settings and not excessively.

alcoholism

A medical condition characterized by an uncontrollable craving for alcohol and continued use despite negative consequences.

moderation

The avoidance of excess in consumption, particularly regarding alcohol.

intoxication

The state of being drunk or under the influence of alcohol.

Sot

He's such a sot, always drinking at bars.

Boozer

She's a real boozer who can't go a day without a drink.

Alkie

He has become an alkie after years of neglecting his health.