brandy

1 of 2

noun

bran·​dy ˈbran-dē How to pronounce brandy (audio)
plural brandies
Synonyms of brandynext
: an alcoholic beverage distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice

brandy

2 of 2

verb

brandied; brandying

transitive verb

: to flavor, blend, or preserve with brandy

Examples of brandy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
What’s next for Albania The things that make visiting Albania so wonderful—jaw-dropping scenery and that every restaurateur and hotelier foists their father’s homemade raki (grape brandy) on everyone, immediately—remain firmly in place. — Naomi Tomky, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 2026 The rum is there for body, the brandy gives an oaky texture, the orgeat a floral, nutty sweetness, and the orange thins it out and helps mask the strength. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
As of May 18, there were about 580 comments with guesses ranging from chocolate chip cookie dough to brandy old-fashioned. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 18 May 2021 See All Example Sentences for brandy

Word History

Etymology

Noun

short for brandywine, from Dutch brandewijn, from Middle Dutch brantwijn, from brant distilled + wijn wine

First Known Use

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brandy was in 1650

Rhymes for brandy

See All Rhymes for brandy

Browse Nearby Words

bran duster
brandy
brandy-and-soda
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brandy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brandy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brandy

noun
bran·​dy
ˈbran-dē
plural brandies
: an alcoholic liquor made from wine or fruit juice

Medical Definition

brandy

noun
bran·​dy ˈbran-dē How to pronounce brandy (audio)
plural brandies
: an alcoholic liquor distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice (as of apples)

More from Merriam-Webster on brandy

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for brandy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brandy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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