# magnum

/ˈmæɡnəm/ (US) · /mˈæɡnəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/magnum
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. large wine bottle

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a large bottle of wine or champagne that holds 1.5 litres, which is twice the size of a normal bottle.

For teachers: a bottle of wine or spirits with a capacity of 1.5 litres, equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles.

- They celebrated the wedding by opening a magnum of expensive champagne.
- The host presented a magnum of vintage Bordeaux, noting that the larger format allows the wine to age more slowly and gracefully.

Usage: Usually followed by 'of' and a type of alcohol.

Teaching tip: This is a high-level word mostly used in luxury dining or formal celebrations.

### 2. powerful cartridge or gun

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a very powerful type of bullet or a gun designed to fire these strong bullets.

For teachers: a firearm cartridge with a larger explosive charge than standard rounds of the same calibre, or a handgun designed to chamber such rounds.

- The police officer carried a .357 magnum as his secondary weapon.
- The ballistic performance of a magnum load provides significantly higher muzzle energy compared to standard civilian ammunition.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before a calibre number, such as '.44 Magnum'.

Teaching tip: Outside of technical contexts, this sense is frequently associated with action movies and crime fiction.

## Examples

- We ordered a magnum of champagne to celebrate the wedding.
- The host brought out a magnum of red wine, knowing that a standard bottle wouldn't be enough for eight guests.
- While a standard bottle is sufficient for a quiet dinner, the celebratory atmosphere of the gala demanded a magnum to ensure every guest could participate in the opening toast.

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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.