cocktail: Meaning and Definition of

cock•tail

1. any of various short mixed drinks, consisting typically of gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, or brandy, with different admixtures, as vermouth, fruit juices, or flavorings, usually chilled and frequently sweetened.
2. a portion of food, as seafood served with a sauce, a mixture of fruits, or juice, served as the appetizer course of a meal.
3. a beverage or solution concocted of various drugs.
4. any eclectic mixture or miscellaneous collection.

1. to drink cocktails, esp. at a cocktail party: They cocktailed before going to the theater.

1. (of women's clothing) styled for semiformal wear: a cocktail dress.
2. of, pertaining to, used in, or suitable to the serving of cocktails: cocktail onions; cocktail napkins.

cock•tail

1. a horse with a docked tail.
2. a horse that is not a thoroughbred.
3. a man of little breeding who passes for a gentleman.