cognac

noun

co·​gnac ˈkōn-ˌyak 

also ˈkȯn-

or ˈkän-

variants often Cognac

: a brandy from the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime distilled from white wine

Examples of cognac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This cocktail mixes cognac, oak, tonka, and cinnamon for an imminently drinkable expression. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2025

Beijing also levied anti-dumping duties on European brandy, most notably cognac produced in France, though major brandy producers received exemptions. —Elaine Kurtenbach, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025

Sazerac Rye has roots in New Orleans dating back to the 19th century, when New Orleans bartenders began to make Sazeracs using rye whiskey, when there were brandy and cognac shortages. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

Quince’s version comes in cognac, black, and taupe and is made from 100 percent top-grain Italian leather. —Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Cognac, France

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cognac

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

cognac

noun

co·​gnac ˈkōn-ˌyak 

often capitalized

: a French brandy

Etymology

named for Cognac, town in France in and near which it is made