sommelier

noun

som·​me·​lier ˌsə-məl-ˈyā 

plural sommeliers ˌsə-məl-ˈyā(z) 

: a waiter in a restaurant who has charge of wines and their service : a wine steward

Examples of sommelier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bar Blondeau holds Sunday Sessions, a weekly wine and music party featuring a rotating slate of local musical talent and guest sommeliers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

Post-adventure, the lodge has serious cred as a culinary destination with an award-winning pastry chef, the country’s best sommelier, and a top Nordic chef. — Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026

Now, the 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast who is also a Level 1 sommelier has turned his focus to elevating his sake program across the restaurants, which already feature more than 100 selections. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026

Over time, visits evolved into lasting friendships with chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs who would later play an unexpected role in his wine journey. — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French soumelier official charged with transportation of supplies, from Old French, pack animal driver, probably alteration of *sommerier, from somier pack animal, from Medieval Latin saugmarius, from Late Latin sagma packsaddle — more at sumpter

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Video

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