# demi

/ˈdɛmi/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. a small beer

noun · CEFR B2

a small glass of beer, usually 250ml, served in France.

For teachers: a standard measure for a small glass of draught beer in French-speaking regions, typically containing 25 centilitres.

- He ordered a demi of blonde ale at the café in Paris.
- While the locals often enjoy a demi with their lunch, tourists frequently mistake the term for a larger serving.

### 2. a half-bottle of wine

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a bottle of wine that holds 375ml, which is half the size of a normal bottle.

For teachers: a wine bottle size containing 0.375 litres, exactly half the volume of a standard 750ml bottle.

- Since I was dining alone, I ordered a demi of red wine.
- The sommelier suggested a demi of Sauternes to accompany the dessert course, as a full bottle would have been excessive for two guests.

### 3. a 50p coin

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

a slang name for a fifty pence coin in British money.

For teachers: a colloquial term for a fifty-pence piece in the United Kingdom.

- He found a demi on the pavement and used it to buy some sweets.
- The market trader asked if I had a demi to settle the remaining balance of the transaction.

### 4. demisexual

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a short way of saying 'demisexual', describing someone who only feels attraction after forming a strong bond.

For teachers: an informal clipping of 'demisexual', referring to an individual who experiences sexual attraction only after establishing a significant emotional connection.

- She realized she was demi after talking to friends about how they experience attraction.
- The community center hosted a workshop specifically for people who identify as demi or asexual to share their experiences.

## Examples

- We ordered a demi of champagne to celebrate.
- Since she was dining alone, she opted for a demi of the house red rather than a full bottle.
- The sommelier suggested a demi of Sauternes to accompany the dessert, providing just enough sweetness to complement the dish without overwhelming the palate.

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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.