sommelier

American  

[suhm-uhl-yey, saw-muh-lyey] / ˌsʌm əlˈyeɪ, sɔ məˈlyeɪ /

noun

plural

sommeliers

1. a waiter, as in a club or restaurant, who is in charge of wines.

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sommelier British  

/ ˈsʌməlˌjeɪ /

noun

1. a wine steward in a restaurant or hotel

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Etymology

Origin of sommelier

1920–25; < French, Middle French, dissimilated form of *sommerier, derivative of sommier one charged with arranging transportation, equivalent to somme burden (< Late Latin sagma horse load < Greek ságma covering, pack saddle) + -ier -ier ²

Example Sentences

There’s the “cellar rat” turned sommelier who worked at Tampa’s Bern’s for over three decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Water sommelier Cameron Smith said many guests have never had a choice in the water they drink beyond the standard still, sparkling or tap.

From The Wall Street Journal

She, too, counseled frankness regarding price—though she acknowledged, ruefully, that she has encountered sommeliers who judge customers based on how much they want to spend.

From The Wall Street Journal

She has gone on to judge awards, host retreats, and work as an olive oil sommelier, and says she is busier now than ever.

From BBC

“Hi,” Frank said, waving the sommelier over to pour him a glass of wine.

From Salon