sherry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “sherry” mean?
A fortified wine, originally from the Jerez region of Spain, typically amber in colour and ranging from dry to sweet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fortified wine, originally from the Jerez region of Spain, typically amber in colour and ranging from dry to sweet.
Can refer to a single glass of this wine, the general category of similar fortified wines, or sometimes metaphorically to its characteristic colour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties. In the UK, sherry is more culturally embedded (e.g., 'sherry hour', served at Christmas, offered to guests). In the US, it is less common and may be perceived as somewhat old-fashioned or a speciality item.
Connotations
UK: Can connote tradition, middle-class socialising, or older generations. US: Often connotes culinary use (cooking sherry) or a niche interest.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “sherry” in a Sentence
[drink/have/pour] + sherry[sherry] + [is/comes from/matured in]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sherry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not standard. Possibly 'to sherry' meaning to drink sherry (archaic/slang).
American English
- Not standard.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- She wore a lovely sherry-coloured dress.
- The recipe calls for sherry vinegar.
American English
- The wood had a deep, sherry-toned finish.
- He cooked with a splash of sherry wine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in wine trade, hospitality, and export/import contexts.
Academic
Appears in historical, culinary, or viticulture studies.
Everyday
Used in social contexts, cooking, and general description.
Technical
Used in oenology (wine science) with specific terms like 'fino', 'oloroso', 'amontillado', 'solera system'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sherry”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sherry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sherry”
- Using 'sherry' as a plural noun (e.g., 'two sherries' is acceptable for types/glasses, but 'much sherry' is correct for the liquid). Misspelling as 'cherry'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sherry ranges from very dry (like Fino and Manzanilla) to sweet (like Cream Sherry).
It's not recommended. Cooking sherry often contains added salt and preservatives, which can alter the flavour of your dish. Use a dry or medium sherry you would drink.
Sherry is the anglicisation of 'Jerez'. The wine is named after the town Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain, which is the heart of its production region.
It depends on the type. Finos and Manzanillas are best served chilled (6-8°C). Olorosos and sweeter sherries are served slightly cooler than room temperature (12-14°C).
A fortified wine, originally from the Jerez region of Spain, typically amber in colour and ranging from dry to sweet.
Sherry is usually informal to neutral in register.
Sherry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHARE a SHERRY' – it's often a social drink to share.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHERRY IS TRADITION (e.g., 'steeped in sherry and tradition'). SHERRY IS AMBER/COLOUR (e.g., 'sherry-coloured curtains').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a correct statement about sherry?