vodka

noun

vod·​ka ˈväd-kə How to pronounce vodka (audio)
Synonyms of vodkanext
: a colorless liquor of neutral spirits distilled from a mash (as of rye or wheat)

Examples of vodka in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other best-selling dishes to try include the penne alla vodka, lasagna and chicken Parmesan. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 The vodka-lemonade cocktail has achieved icon status for a reason. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026 Quinta de la Rosa Extra Dry White Port Perfumed with a note of pear, this offering is a great lower-alcohol substitute for gin or vodka in most cocktails but equally quaffable when splashed with tonic or seltzer. — Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 The resulting cocktail is a balanced mix of CÎROC vodka, Coca-Cola’s Fresca Peach, grenadine, fresh lime juice, a candy peach ring garnish, and a pinch of salt. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vodka

Word History

Etymology

Russian, from voda water; akin to Old English wæter water

First Known Use

circa 1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vodka was circa 1803

Phrases Containing vodka

Browse Nearby Words

voder
vodka
vodka martini
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vodka.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vodka. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

vodka

noun
vod·​ka ˈväd-kə How to pronounce vodka (audio)
: a colorless alcoholic liquor
Etymology

Russian, literally, "little water," from voda "water"

More from Merriam-Webster on vodka

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vodka

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vodka

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gist

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All