rum

1 of 2

noun

1
: an alcoholic beverage distilled from a fermented cane product (such as molasses)
2
: alcoholic liquor
the demon rum

rum

2 of 2

adjective

rummer; rummest
1
British, informal + somewhat old-fashioned : strange, odd
Now writing is rum trade and eyes are rum things, and what is all right one day is all wrong the next.Angela Thirkell
2
British, informal + somewhat old-fashioned : difficult, dangerous

Examples of rum in a Sentence

Noun a fiery sermon on the evils of demon rum Adjective They're a pretty rum lot. she wears staid business suits, but prefers some quite rum knickers underneath
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The cart was laden with chocolate sauce, chocolate balls, rum balls, zabaglione, Grand Marnier, Chartreuse and Borsci. Molly Young, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 The black-and-white chalkboard on a morning in early March highlights cinnamon chai for $2.50 and a ginger rum hot toddy at the full-service bar for $11. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024 Although this spirit is often compared to rum, the flavor profile is quite different. Brittany Leitner, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2024 For a dose of local cuisine and culture, spend an upbeat Friday night at Oistins fish fry or sample some of the island's best rums on a tour of the Mount Gay rum distillery. Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 This whiskey was initially aged in bourbon barrels, and then finished for six months in casks previously used to age rum from Foursquare in Barbados, one of the best rum distilleries in the world. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 For rum aficionados, the Bomboleo is a top choice that offers refreshing notes of tropical fruit, while the agave-forward New Vibrations is perfect for fans of classic tiki cocktails. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Free tours start with a taste of a pina colada and end with complimentary rum samples. Elaine Glusac, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 The hotel can also set up celebratory excursions, like tours of cocoa estates, rum distilleries, or even set up a rum tasting. Juliet Izon, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2024
Adjective
The whiskey was distilled in 1989 and matured in ex-rum casks before being finished for three years in barrels that previously contained Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 9 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably short for obsolete rumbullion rum

Adjective

of uncertain origin

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rum was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near rum

Cite this Entry

“Rum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rum. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rum

noun
ˈrəm
: an alcoholic liquor made from molasses or sugarcane

More from Merriam-Webster on rum

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