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

The grandson of the founder of the Hennessy cognac dynasty (also named Kilian Hennessy), Hennessy has known fine liquor his entire life. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

There’s also a mix of popular classics, such as Knob Creek bourbon, Campari liqueur and Hennessy cognac, alongside upstart brands like Stetson bourbon, which debuted just a few weeks ago. — John Kell, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The bag comes in classic black, warm cognac, and dark brown, all of which feel appropriate for autumn and year-round wear. — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026

Longer term, there has been speculation — which Lewis played down in February — that Diageo’s 34% stake in the champagne and cognac business Moët Hennessy may be sold to majority shareholder LVMH. — Ian King, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Cognac, France

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cognac

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

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