martini: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to neutral, common in social/dining contexts.
Quick answer
What does “martini” mean?
A cocktail made with gin (or sometimes vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cocktail made with gin (or sometimes vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
May refer to the specific cocktail itself, a glass in which it is served (a V-shaped stemmed glass), or a variety of similar cocktails where the primary spirit or garnish is varied.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Similar core concept. The term 'martini' is standard. No significant lexical differences.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, classic cocktails, and mid-20th century style in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in contexts discussing cocktails/drinks.
Grammar
How to Use “martini” in a Sentence
Have/order a [adj.] martiniShake/stir a martiniServe in a martini glassVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “martini” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- Informal: 'We decided to martini before the dinner party.'
adjective
British English
- She preferred a martini-style glass for her cocktail.
American English
- He has a very martini attitude—cool and classic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in social/networking contexts (e.g., 'Let's discuss over a martini').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or cultural studies of food/drink.
Everyday
Common in social settings, restaurants, and bars.
Technical
In bartending/mixology: precise recipes and techniques for preparation.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “martini”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martini”
- Pronouncing the final 'i' as /aɪ/ (like 'eye'). Correct: /iː/ (like 'ee').
- Using 'martini' as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I want martini'). Correct: 'I want a martini.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes. However, the vodka martini is now extremely common. To avoid confusion, specify 'gin martini' or 'vodka martini'.
It means less sweet vermouth is used. 'Extra dry' means very little or a rinse of vermouth.
A martini that includes a splash of olive brine, giving it a salty flavour and a cloudy appearance.
The line is famously associated with the fictional character James Bond. Shaking aerates and dilutes the drink more than stirring, creating a different texture.
A cocktail made with gin (or sometimes vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
Martini is usually informal to neutral, common in social/dining contexts. in register.
Martini: in British English it is pronounced /mɑːˈtiːni/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːrˈtiːni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shaken, not stirred.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine actor Steve McQueen in a TINY sports car, drinking a MARTINI. The car is so TINY, it fits in his martini glass.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOPHISTICATION IS A COCKTAIL (e.g., 'He has a martini-dry wit').
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard garnish for a classic martini?