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

Choose from 25 different colors, from deep cognac brown to bold, statement-making hues like fuchsia and orange. — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Made with Malabar black pepper imported directly from India, beef jus, cream and lots of cognac, the luxurious sauce is drizzled over a 12-ounce prime striploin. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

And if plum isn’t your jam, the tote is also available in rich cognac brown, deep navy, and classic black. — Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2026

Obama coordinated with her guest and brother Craig Robinson’s head-to-toe denim looks, finishing off her look with a pair of medium-wash jeans and unexpected open-toe cognac brown leather platform heels. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 Oct. 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