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 Gale Satin Mid-rise Bias Pants feature an elastic waistband for all-day comfort, a relaxed leg for freedom of movement, and a handful of moody colors to complement your fall wardrobe, like this chic merlot that could pass for designer. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

From rich merlots to burnt cherry to beetroot and everything in between, Fall 2026's runway made a strong case for this shade. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Harrison bottles his wines, which include a red blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc from a toasty creekside vineyard in the Santa Clara Valley, under his label, From Brent Wine Co. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 5 July 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

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