- any of various 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.
- a portion of food, as seafood served with a sauce or a mixture of fruits cut into pieces, served as an appetizer or first course: a shrimp cocktail;a fruit cocktail.
- a mixture of various drugs usually a beverage or solution: a liquid drug cocktail for terminal patients;a cocktail of pills taken twice a day.
- any diverse mixture of elements, especially one with a powerful effect: an impressive cocktail of skills and experiences.
- to drink cocktails, especially at a cocktail party: They cocktailed before going to the theater.
- (of women's clothing) styled for semiformal wear: a knee-length cocktail dress.
- of, pertaining to, used in, or suitable to the serving of cocktails: cocktail onions;cocktail napkins.
- a horse with a docked tail.
- a horse that is not a thoroughbred.
- a man of little breeding who passes for a gentleman.
- any mixed drink with a spirit base, usually drunk before meals
- (as modifier)
- an appetizer of seafood, mixed fruits, etc
- any combination of diverse elements, esp one considered potent
- appropriate for formal occasions
- a horse with a docked tail
- an animal of unknown or mixed breeding
- a person of little breeding pretending to be a gentleman
