English Reference
noun · adjective · verb

champagne

n. · adj. · v.
US /ʃæmˈpeɪn/ UK /ʃæmpˈeɪn/ cham·pagne UK spelling champagned, champagnes, champagning

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a French white wine with bubbles, often drunk at parties or weddings to celebrate something special.

    n.a sparkling white wine produced in the Champagne region of France according to specific quality standards.

    Simple

    We opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate her new job.

    In context

    The guests toasted the couple with vintage champagne served in elegant crystal flutes.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the liquid; countable when referring to a specific bottle or glass.

    sparkling winebubbly
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a single glass of champagne.

    n.a metonymic use referring to a single serving or glass of the wine.

    Simple

    Would you like a champagne before we sit down for dinner?

    In context

    The waiter circulated through the gallery offering a champagne to each attendee as they arrived.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a very light brownish-gold colour, like the wine.

    n.a pale, yellowish-beige or brownish-gold colour resembling the appearance of the wine.

    Simple

    The walls of the bedroom were painted a soft champagne.

    In context

    The interior designer suggested champagne for the upholstery to maintain a neutral yet sophisticated palette.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having a very light brownish-gold colour.

    adj.denoting a pale brownish-gold colour; typically used in fashion or interior design contexts.

    Simple

    She wore a beautiful champagne dress to the awards ceremony.

    In context

    The bride chose a champagne silk for her bridesmaids' gowns rather than a traditional bright white.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency LiteraryInformal

    v.to drink champagne or to serve it to someone else.

    v.to consume champagne or to provide it to others, often in a social or celebratory context.

    Simple

    They spent the whole evening champagning at the rooftop bar.

    In context

    The hosts proceeded to champagne their guests throughout the gala, ensuring no glass remained empty for long.

    Usage

    Can be used transitively (to champagne someone) or intransitively.


Borrowed from French Champagne. Doublet of Campania.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated