1
capitalized
: a member of a French family founded in 1272 to which belong the rulers of France from 1589 to 1793 and from 1814 to 1830, of Spain from 1700 to 1808, from 1814 to 1868, from 1875 to 1931, and from 1975, of Naples from 1735 to 1805, and of the Two Sicilies from 1815 to 1860
2
: a rose (Rosa borboniana) of upright growth with shining leaves, prickly branches, and clustered large flowers
3
: a whiskey distilled from a mash made up of not less than 51 percent corn plus malt and rye compare corn whiskey
4
often capitalized
: a person who clings obstinately to old social and political ideas
specifically
: an extremely conservative member of the U.S. Democratic party usually from the South
Examples of bourbon in a Sentence
I prefer bourbon to Scotch.
Recent Examples on the Web
The fiery Pasha combines bourbon, Drambuie, bitters, za’taar and butter; under airy options, the riff on the Cuban cocktail Canchanchara is rum, citrus and gardenia mix with a sous-vide black garlic clove on a swizzle stick.
—
Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Simply stir together a bubbly blend of Champagne, ginger ale, bourbon, simple syrup, and lime juice before your bash.
—Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2024
Its version, priced at $14, is made with Jim Beam bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint.
—Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
The original cocktail is a sweet Manhattan riff with a minty and herbal note, conveyed by the blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Apr. 2024
Rich layers of chocolate stout, bourbon, and chocolate syrup, all drizzled with cream, make this drink a chocolate-lover's delight.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2024
Also available: cookies and cream, and bourbon butter pecan.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024
The liquid starts as standard Woodford Reserve bourbon aged from five to seven years that was then placed into a Cognac cask for an additional eight years.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2024
Looking to commemorate some of the biggest moments in sports with a special bourbon?
—The Courier-Journal, 29 Mar. 2024
Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Simply stir together a bubbly blend of Champagne, ginger ale, bourbon, simple syrup, and lime juice before your bash.
—Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2024
Its version, priced at $14, is made with Jim Beam bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint.
—Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
The original cocktail is a sweet Manhattan riff with a minty and herbal note, conveyed by the blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Apr. 2024
Rich layers of chocolate stout, bourbon, and chocolate syrup, all drizzled with cream, make this drink a chocolate-lover's delight.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2024
Also available: cookies and cream, and bourbon butter pecan.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024
The liquid starts as standard Woodford Reserve bourbon aged from five to seven years that was then placed into a Cognac cask for an additional eight years.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2024
Looking to commemorate some of the biggest moments in sports with a special bourbon?
—The Courier-Journal, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bourbon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Bourbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bourbon. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Bourbon
biographical name
Bour·bon
ˈbu̇r-bən 
bu̇r-ˈbōⁿ
Charles de 1490–1527 Duc de Bourbon French general; constable of France
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