Madeira

noun

Ma·​dei·​ra mə-ˈdir-ə How to pronounce Madeira (audio) -ˈder- How to pronounce Madeira (audio)
: an amber-colored fortified wine from Madeira
also : a similar wine made elsewhere

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Madeira Islands

First Known Use

circa 1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Madeira was circa 1595

Rhymes for Madeira

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Browse Nearby Words

made in heaven
Madeira
Madeira chair
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Cite this Entry

“Madeira.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Madeira. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Madeira

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Madeira

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