swizzle

1 of 2

noun

swiz·​zle ˈswi-zəl How to pronounce swizzle (audio)
: an iced cocktail stirred with a swizzle stick

swizzle

2 of 2

verb

swizzled; swizzling ˈswi-zə-liŋ How to pronounce swizzle (audio)
ˈswiz-liŋ

intransitive verb

: to drink especially to excess : guzzle

transitive verb

: to mix or stir with or as if with a swizzle stick
swizzler
ˈswi-zə-lər How to pronounce swizzle (audio)
ˈswiz-lər
noun

Examples of swizzle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Add crushed ice about halfway up and give a brief stir or swizzle, five to eight seconds, to begin the chilling process. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026 The streets fill with locals and travelers dancing to the pulsing beats and sipping a rum swizzle or two. — Bermuda Tourism Authority, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026 Fighting it out for the favourite cocktail of Bermudians are the famous rum swizzle and the equally notable dark 'n' stormy. — Rebekah Evans, The Week Uk, theweek, 18 Nov. 2024 The origin of the swizzle dates back to the 1860s, when ice was first introduced to Caribbean locals. — Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 31 July 2023 Nonalcoholic concoctions include hojicha orange milk punch and an adzuki swizzle. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
To use, heat a mug of milk, then swizzle the stick in the warm liquid until the chocolate melts. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2025 Loads of mixology classes have popped up around town recently to teach home bartenders how to properly stir, shake and swizzle. — Lisa Futterman, chicagotribune.com, 17 May 2018 Add chocolate, then swizzle and stir with a traditional Mexican molinillo or whisk until dissolved and frothy. — Karla Alindahao, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2023 An Old Fashioned will be pretty similar to a version swizzled on the fly with lemon, but a vermouthless Manhattan made with natural flavors and juice concentrates will not be a shortcut to sophistication. — Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 Nov. 2025 Instead of Williams’ crippled shut-in Laura fussing over her glass figurines in the absence of a husband or happy future, Durang’s version features Lawrence, a hypochondriac who prizes his collection of cocktail swizzle sticks. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1813, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of swizzle was in 1813

Phrases Containing swizzle

Rhymes for swizzle

See All Rhymes for swizzle

Browse Nearby Words

swiz
swizzle
swizzler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swizzle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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