tequila

noun

te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə How to pronounce tequila (audio)
tā-
plural tequilas
: a Mexican liquor made chiefly from the fermented sap of the blue agave that has been subjected to two separate distillations
Tequila is a form of mezcal that enjoys a regional appellation—it must be produced in Tequila, Jalisco (a state in Mexico), entirely from the nectar from the blue agave plant.Justin Grant
The most important difference between fine tequila and ordinary tequila is that the good stuff is made from 100 percent blue agave—the desert succulent that is pressure cooked, then fermented.Food & Wine

Note: Tequila is often distinguished from other mezcals because it can only be made from the blue agave and has more restrictive guidelines regarding its production.

"We're going to offer wine, beer, cocktails, a lot of tequila and mezcal, and margaritas on tap," said [bar] owner Patrick Todd.Jordyn Noennig

Examples of tequila in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The festival will be headlined by legendary artists Timbaland and B.o.B, and will feature tequila tastings, local taco eateries and more. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 In 2022, celebrity tequilas grew by 40 percent, or three times the overall category growth rate of 13 percent. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 Rempe doesn’t reveal the source of the bourbons or the tequila barrels, but given the brands under the Lux Row and Ross & Squibb names there are certainly plenty to choose from. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2025 This year’s topline sponsor is once again Patrón El Alto, whose handcrafted, prestige tequila cocktails will be served along with beverages from returning sponsors Ghost Energy, Nütrl Vodka Seltzers, LaCroix, and PathWater. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tequila

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Tequila, town in Jalisco state, Mexico

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tequila was in 1849

Cite this Entry

“Tequila.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tequila. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

tequila

noun
te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə How to pronounce tequila (audio)
tā-
: a Mexican liquor made from the fermented juice of an agave

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