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
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.
The same, of course, could be said for Mexican tequila and mezcal, French Chartreuse or brandy. Anna Lee C. Iijima, Bon Appétit, 21 Jan. 2025 The company has a diverse portfolio of liquor, owning Herradura tequila, The Glendronach scotch whisky, Diplomático Rum and Fords Gin among others. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, references to a character’s Mexican identity include smelling like tequila and guacamole. Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 6 Jan. 2025 According to the Times, two-thirds of all tequila is exported, with about 80 percent going to to the U.S. (Spain and Germany are next, but each at just 2 percent). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near tequila

Cite this Entry

“Tequila.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tequila. Accessed 30 Jan. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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