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

In a tasting room lined with elegant glass bottles from across the globe, water sommelier Nico Pieterse extolled the qualities and even "emotional connection" of a resource many South Africans take straight from the tap.

From Barron's

He also became a certified sommelier and lecturer who teaches a community education course on the art and science of winemaking.

From Los Angeles Times

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