champagne: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1formal, informal, commercial
Quick answer
What does “champagne” mean?
A type of sparkling white wine, legally produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France through a specific method of secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of sparkling white wine, legally produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France through a specific method of secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Used generically to refer to any sparkling wine or, more abstractly, to luxury, celebration, success, or a pale golden-beige colour. Also used in naming various products or things suggestive of luxury or effervescence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'champagne' is used more strictly to refer to the French product due to EU law. In American English, the term is sometimes used more generically for any high-quality sparkling white wine, though the shift towards 'sparkling wine' is growing.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes celebration and luxury. In BrE, it may carry a stronger sense of geographic authenticity.
Frequency
The word is of high and similar frequency in both dialects, particularly in social, lifestyle, and celebratory contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “champagne” in a Sentence
[VERB] + champagne: drink, pour, order, serve, buy[ADJECTIVE] + champagne: vintage, expensive, excellent, pink[PREPOSITION] + champagne: on champagne, with champagneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “champagne” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They champagned their victory late into the night.
- The guests were champagned and canapéd on arrival.
American English
- The team champagned in the locker room after the championship win.
adjective
British English
- She wore a beautiful champagne-coloured dress.
- The event had a champagne atmosphere.
American English
- We toasted with champagne glasses.
- He ordered the champagne brunch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically in marketing or descriptions of premium services; e.g., 'The champagne segment of the market.'
Academic
Used in historical, economic, or viticulture studies discussing geographic indications and luxury goods.
Everyday
Common in celebratory contexts; e.g., weddings, promotions, New Year's Eve.
Technical
In viniculture, refers specifically to wine produced via the 'méthode champenoise' or 'traditional method' in the Champagne region.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “champagne”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “champagne”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “champagne”
- Capitalisation: Not capitalising 'Champagne' when referring specifically to the region or its legally protected product.
- Generalisations: Referring to any sparkling wine as 'champagne' in a formal or EU context.
- Countability: Treating it as only uncountable ('some champagne'). It can be countable in 'three champagnes' meaning three glasses/bottles.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Prosecco is a specific type of Italian sparkling wine. 'Champagne' is legally protected and refers only to the product from the Champagne region of France.
No. While usually uncountable (e.g., 'some champagne'), it can be used countably to mean glasses or bottles (e.g., 'We ordered three champagnes').
It is a derogatory term for someone who espouses socialist or egalitarian views while enjoying an affluent, luxurious lifestyle.
The main differences are geographic origin (Champagne, France), specific grape varieties (e.g., Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier), and the production method ('méthode champenoise'), which involves a second fermentation in the same bottle it is sold in.
A type of sparkling white wine, legally produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France through a specific method of secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Champagne is usually formal, informal, commercial in register.
Champagne: in British English it is pronounced /ʃæmˈpeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃæmˈpeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Champagne socialist”
- “Champagne taste on a beer budget”
- “Pop the champagne”
- “Champagne problems”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a champion winning a race and being sprayed with champagne on the podium. The word 'champ' in 'champagne' can remind you of a 'champion's celebration'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHAMPAGNE IS A CELEBRATION; CHAMPAGNE IS LUXURY; CHAMPAGNE IS SUCCESS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of the word 'Champagne' most legally precise and correct?