<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>any diverse mixture of elements, especially one with a powerful effect: an impressive cocktail of skills and experiences.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb:</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to drink cocktails, especially at a cocktail party: They cocktail before going to the theater.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective:</strong></p><ul><li>(of women's clothing) styled for semiformal wear: a knee-length cocktail dress.</li><li>of, pertaining to, used in, or suitable to the serving of cocktails: cocktail onions; cocktail napkins.</li></ul>