merlot

noun

mer·​lot mer-ˈlō How to pronounce merlot (audio)
mər-
variants often Merlot
: a full-bodied red wine that is known for its velvety texture, that is produced most prominently in Bordeaux and California, and that is often blended with cabernet sauvignon
also : the grape itself

Examples of merlot 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.
This style comes in chocolate brown, dark merlot and olive colorways. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 The space was bright, with peach and light colored wood walls, metal tables and dark merlot vinyl seating. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 The Gale Satin Mid-rise Bias Pants feature an elastic waistband for all-day comfort, a relaxed leg for freedom of movement, and a handful of moody colors to complement your fall wardrobe, like this chic merlot that could pass for designer. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 From rich merlots to burnt cherry to beetroot and everything in between, Fall 2026's runway made a strong case for this shade. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for merlot

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from merle "blackbird (Turdus merula)" + -ot, noun suffix, here diminutive (going back to Vulgar Latin *-ottus, variant of Latin -ittus, diminutive suffix); presumably named from the grape's color — more at merle entry 1

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of merlot was in 1926

Rhymes for merlot

See All Rhymes for merlot

Browse Nearby Words

merlon
merlot
Merluccius
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Merlot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merlot. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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