Overproof

//(ˌ)əʊvəˈpɹuːf// adj, noun, verb

adj, noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A spirit possessing a higher proportion of alcohol than proof spirit.

    "[E]ach degree of the hydrometer, when at or near proof, is about a quart in a hundred gallons stronger or weaker, as the hydrometer vibrates under or over the silver speck or sight on the index or upper stem; at the intermediate or strong overproofs, is about a pint in ditto; and at the low underproofs is about three pints in ditto."

Verb
  1. 1
    To proof (allow dough containing yeast to rise) excessively. transitive

    "The product may have an open or irregular grain because of the following: a. Underproofing or Overproofing the Dough. b. Too Little Fermentation. c. Baking in an Oven That is Too Cool."

Adjective
  1. 1
    Possessing a higher proportion of alcohol than proof spirit. not-comparable

    "Leeward Island Rums are but seldom brought to this country at a higher rate of strength, than eight or ten per cent. overproof."

Example

More examples

"Leeward Island Rums are but seldom brought to this country at a higher rate of strength, than eight or ten per cent. overproof."

Etymology

From over- + proof.

Related phrases

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.