spirits
SPIR-its
/ˈspɪr.ɪts/
Strong distilled alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, vodka, gin, or rum.
Refers strictly to high-proof distilled alcohol, distinct from fermented drinks like beer or wine.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin spiritus (breath or soul). Medieval alchemists distilled alcohol and believed the volatile vapor driven off by heat was the essential 'spirit' or subtle soul of the liquid. The term passed into beverage language to describe distilled alcohol.
Word relationships
- liquor: Liquor is the common American term, while spirits is preferred in British English and legal classifications.
- hard alcohol: Hard alcohol is informal everyday speech, whereas spirits is standard commercial usage.
Commonly confused with
- spirit: Singular 'spirit' refers to ghost, mood, or character; plural 'spirits' usually denotes distilled alcohol.
Word family
- spirited (adjective): Full of energy, enthusiasm, or determination.
Collocations
- distilled spirits
- top-shelf spirits
- spirits selection
- wine and spirits
Idioms & expressions
- in high spirits (cheerful and lively mood)
Example sentences
- "The shelf behind the counter displayed top-shelf spirits from international distilleries." Bar inventory
- "Licensing regulations require accurate measurement when serving distilled spirits." Hospitality regulation
Memory hook
SPIRITS are distilled vapors that capture the 'spirit' of the liquid. Distilled hard alcoholic drinks.
When not to use
Do not use when referring specifically to wine, beer, or non-alcoholic liquids.
Fun facts
- Alchemists called distilled alcohol 'spiritus vini' — spirit of wine.
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