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Added 9 October 2026

cocktail

/ˈkɒk.teɪl/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cocktail at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A short mixed drink.
An appetizer served as a first course at a meal.

Origin

Early 17th century, from cock (“male bird”) + tail, in the sense “(a horse with its) tail standing up, like a cock’s”. The origin of the extension to “an alcoholic mixed drink” is unknown. One theory is that it refers to a stimulant (gingering), hence a stimulating drink; compare pick-me-up. Another attested use is for non-thoroughbred racehorses: these were considered "cock-tailed" due to their docked tails. This may have led to the term "cocktail" (sense 1) being used for an adulterated spirit.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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