Merlot

[ mur-loh; French mer-loh ]

noun

1. a dark-blue grape used in winemaking, especially in the Bordeaux region of France and in areas of Italy, Switzerland, and California.

Merlot

/ ˈmɜːləʊ /

noun

1. a black grape grown in France and now throughout the wine-producing world, used, often in a blend, for making wine
2. any of various wines made from this grape

Word History and Origins

Origin of Merlot¹

< French: literally, young blackbird, derivative of merle merle ¹, probably alluding to the color of the grape

Word History and Origins

Origin of Merlot¹

from French merlot, literally: young blackbird, diminutive of merle merle ¹, probably alluding to the colour of the grape

Example Sentences

Most of the famous European wine grapes — cultivars of Vitis vinifera like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — are too tender to be grown in Chicago-area gardens, as well as large swaths of the United States.

From Salon

The rest can be a mix of a limited number of grapes, such as native Italian grapes like Canaiolo or international varieties like Merlot.

From Salon

The Washington Merlot vinegar was a finalist in the 2021 and 2022 Good Food Awards, a competition that recognizes “outstanding American craft food producers.”

From Seattle Times

Three men broke into a home around 4:40 a.m. in the 18000 block of Moss Road near Merlot Court, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

"Treat yourself," she says, as a flashlight revealed a bottle of Californian Merlot, taken from Wines of the World on nearby Italiiska Street.

From BBC

Related Words

• merlot