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Definition of soused

soused

/ˈsaʊst/
soused
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soused Lexical Profile

soused Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Heavily intoxicated by alcohol; drunk (informal).

Example

"By the end of the banquet, several guests at the corner table were thoroughly soused."

2

Steeped, cooked, or preserved in vinegar, wine, or pickling brine (especially of fish or meat).

Example

"The coastal tavern served a traditional platter of soused herring with dark rye bread and onions."

3

Thoroughly drenched or soaked with water or another liquid.

Example

"The hikers arrived at the cabin completely soused after walking through the sudden downpour."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for soused

• Nearby Words

sous river
sousaphone
souse
soused
south
south africa
south african

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'souse', from Middle English 'sousen' (to pickle in brine or vinegar), which comes from Old French 'sous' (pickled food) and ultimately from a Germanic root related to 'salt'. The informal sense 'drunk' arose as a humorous metaphor comparing a person saturated with alcohol to food steeped in brine.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Soused. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/soused
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