# cava

/ˈkɑvə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cava
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. sparkling wine

noun · CEFR B2

a Spanish white wine with bubbles, often served at celebrations.

For teachers: a Spanish sparkling wine made via the traditional method, typically produced in the Penedès region of Catalonia.

- We opened a bottle of chilled cava to celebrate her new job.
- The sommelier recommended a dry cava to accompany the seafood tapas, noting its crisp acidity and fine bubbles.

### 2. anatomy

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a short way of saying 'vena cava', which is a large vein that carries blood to the heart.

For teachers: An elliptical reference to the vena cava, either of the two large veins that return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium of the heart.

- The doctor checked the blood flow through the patient's superior cava.
- The surgeon carefully monitored the pressure within the inferior cava during the complex abdominal procedure.

## Examples

- We ordered a bottle of chilled cava to celebrate.
- The restaurant offers a wide selection of Spanish wines, including several premium bottles of cava for special occasions.
- While often compared to champagne due to its production method, cava possesses a distinct earthy profile and lower acidity, reflecting the specific terroir and indigenous grape varieties of its region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.