vinifera

noun

vi·​nif·​era vī-ˈni-f(ə-)rə How to pronounce vinifera (audio)
plural vinifera or viniferas
: a common European grape (Vitis vinifera) that is the chief source of Old World wine and table grape varieties
vinifera adjective

Examples of vinifera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Multiple seeds were identified as vitis vinifera, the same species that produces fine wine today. Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 The region now routinely hits the 180-day threshold needed to ripen vinifera vines (the type of grapevine that produces 90 percent of the world’s wine). Alexandra Gillespie, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025 Phytic acid gently refines skin texture, while vitis vinifera—derived from grapes—helps replenish moisture and smooth fine lines. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025 According to Oregon State University’s Extension Service, more than 70,000 acres is devoted to growing hazelnuts in a region also well-suited to peaches, apples, and, of course, world-class vinifera grapes. Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Before the colonists’ vinifera vines died, however, the wind carried their pollen to wild grapevines nearby. Alex Mayyasi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 Formulated with vitis vinifera extract, tea rose extract, suberin extract, fermented arnica and plant squalane, the Precision Sculpt Shaping Balm comes in nine sculptural tones across six color families. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin vinifer wine-producing, from vinum wine

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vinifera was in 1888

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Cite this Entry

“Vinifera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinifera. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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