ENGLISH
REFERENCE

claret

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency UK //klˈæɹət// claret Archaic Informal

n. a type of red wine that comes from the Bordeaux region in France. It is usually made from a mix of different grape varieties.

n. a red wine produced in the Bordeaux region of France, typically a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Often used as a general term for any red wine in British English.


SIMPLE

He ordered a glass of claret with his dinner.

CONTEXTUAL

The sommelier recommended a full-bodied claret to pair with the roasted lamb.

COMPLEX

While the term originally referred specifically to red wines from Bordeaux, it has become a generic term in British English for any red wine, much like 'claret' for red wine and 'hock' for white wine.

Origin

From Middle English claret, from Middle French claret, from Medieval Latin clārātum vīnum, from clārus. Compare tent (“Spanish red wine”), also from color. Doublet of clairet.

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