sommelier

[suhm-uhl-yey, saw-muh-lyey]

noun

plural

sommeliers 

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

sommelier

/ ˈsʌməlˌjeɪ /

noun

1. a wine steward in a restaurant or hotel

Word History and Origins

Origin of sommelier¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sommelier¹

French: butler, via Old French from Old Provençal saumalier pack-animal driver, from Late Latin sagma a packsaddle, from Greek

Example Sentences

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

I pinch, sniff, nibble and nod like a sommelier of chlorophyll.

From Salon

“Double Scorpio are three different nitrites,” said Edward, the West Hollywood clerk who doubles as a kind of nitrite sommelier.

From Los Angeles Times

Water sommelier Martin Riese points out the absurdity of “Naturally Calorie-Free” labeling on a bottle of water.

From Los Angeles Times