proof spirit
noun
: an alcoholic liquor or mixture of ethanol and water that contains 50 percent ethanol by volume at 60°F (16°C)
Examples of proof spirit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During the process of making vanilla extract, opened vanilla bean pods soak in a liquid (often a high-proof spirit like vodka or bourbon) to infuse it with vanilla flavor and aroma.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
One serving equals a 5-ounce glass of wine, 2-ounce glass of beer, or 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof spirits.
—Alisa Bowman, Good Housekeeping, 21 June 2023
It’s been two years since Iowa’s Templeton Rye released a barrel-strength whiskey, and this year this high-proof spirit has returned with a bang.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2022
Fever Tree sparkling grapefruit soda plays nicely with just about every zero-proof spirit.
—Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2022
Falowitz is encouraged by Mizu's success as a higher-proof spirit — at the standard 35 percent A.B.V., it's sold alongside vodka and gin — and says competitors like Iichiko are taking note and pivoting similarly.
—TheWeek, 5 Sep. 2020
Crum and Sarathy also suggest 180 proof spirits, which have 90% ethanol, or higher.
—Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2020
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Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
One serving equals a 5-ounce glass of wine, 2-ounce glass of beer, or 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof spirits.
—Alisa Bowman, Good Housekeeping, 21 June 2023
It’s been two years since Iowa’s Templeton Rye released a barrel-strength whiskey, and this year this high-proof spirit has returned with a bang.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2022
Fever Tree sparkling grapefruit soda plays nicely with just about every zero-proof spirit.
—Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2022
Falowitz is encouraged by Mizu's success as a higher-proof spirit — at the standard 35 percent A.B.V., it's sold alongside vodka and gin — and says competitors like Iichiko are taking note and pivoting similarly.
—TheWeek, 5 Sep. 2020
Crum and Sarathy also suggest 180 proof spirits, which have 90% ethanol, or higher.
—Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Proof spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proof%20spirit. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
proof spirit
noun
1
: an alcoholic liquor or mixture of alcohol and water containing 50 percent ethanol by volume at 60° F (15.6°C)
2
British
: liquor that weighs ¹²/₁₃ of an equal measure of distilled water or contains 57.10 percent by volume of alcohol
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