merlot

noun

mer·​lot mer-ˈlō 

mər-

variants often Merlot

: a full-bodied red wine that is known for its velvety texture, that is produced most prominently in Bordeaux and California, and that is often blended with cabernet sauvignon

also : the grape itself

Examples of merlot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Pakistani mill showed new sulfur dyes like aged merlot and graphite green, and fabrics with brown and blue wefts. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026

As the scent dries down, fruity notes of pear and Merlot come together for an ever-so-slightly boozy note. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026

Holland, meanwhile, cleaned up nice in a merlot-colored suit, matching tie, white button-down shirt, and glossy black dress shoes. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 24 June 2026

The new range starts at $299 and will be available in classic black, classic tortoise, racing green, linen, merlot, mahogany, and sandstone. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from merle "blackbird (Turdus merula)" + -ot, noun suffix, here diminutive (going back to Vulgar Latin *-ottus, variant of Latin -ittus, diminutive suffix); presumably named from the grape's color — more at merle entry 1

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for merlot

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau