What does concoction mean?
A concoction is a mixture of ingredients combined together, most often one assembled in an improvised, experimental, or unconventional way. The word is used literally for foods, drinks, and remedies — a cook's hasty stew, a bartender's invented cocktail, or an old-fashioned herbal remedy — where it often carries a faintly humorous or skeptical tone, suggesting the result may be odd or unpredictable. Figuratively, concoction also describes something fabricated rather than made from real substances: an elaborate excuse, an implausible tale, or a pack of lies can all be called a concoction, in which case the implication is clearly negative. The noun derives from the verb "to concoct," which comes from the Latin concocere, meaning to cook or digest thoroughly. In everyday English, calling something a concoction signals both creativity and a certain lack of polish — a blend born of necessity, invention, or imagination rather than careful recipe.
A mixture of various ingredients blended together, especially one prepared in an improvised or unusual way.
"He brewed a strange concoction of tea, honey, and garlic for his cold."
Frequently applied with mild humor to unappetizing or experimental mixtures.
Something invented or fabricated, especially an untrue story or explanation.
"Her account of the evening was pure concoction, invented to avoid blame."
This figurative sense implies deliberate fabrication or dishonesty.
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple distinct mixtures or fabricated stories.
"The pharmacy shelves were lined with herbal concoctions of every kind."
In the 17th century "concoct" meant simply to digest — a concoction was originally something your stomach had successfully processed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of concoction
"Concoction" derives from the Latin verb concocere, meaning "to cook or boil together," formed from com- ("together") plus coquere ("to cook"). The word entered English in the early 16th century, first carrying the sense of digestion — the body's "cooking" of food — before extending to the preparation of medicines and mixtures by boiling or combining. Related words sharing the same Latin root include "decoction" (an extraction made by boiling) and "confection." Over time the literal culinary sense broadened into its modern figurative use for anything invented or fabricated.
Related word forms
How concoction is actually used
Often carries a slightly humorous or skeptical connotation when applied to unusual mixtures; when used figuratively it usually implies dishonesty or implausibility. Register is neutral but informal-leaning in everyday speech.
Easily confused with concoction
"Concoct" is the verb meaning to prepare or invent something, while "concoction" is the noun referring to the thing created.