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

Vibe from server to sommelier was surprisingly casual and friendly amid posh digs and truly gorgeous plates. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2025

Emily Chen, sommelier at La Compagnie Wine Bar in New York’s Flatiron neighborhood, suggests a dessert-style vessel such as Ravenscroft Crystal Scotch snifter for fortified or dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, or Tokaji. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 10 June 2025

This intimate dinner party–style venue is where sommeliers show off the ship’s cellar—at prices that can reach four figures. —Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2025

This virtual sommelier intends to take the guesswork—and the gamble—out of ordering wine. —Air Mail, 3 May 2025

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

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