still wine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral/Formal, with high use in technical, commercial, and culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “still wine” mean?
A wine that is not effervescent or sparkling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wine that is not effervescent or sparkling; it lacks significant carbon dioxide, making it still (non-bubbly).
The standard category of table wines, including red, white, and rosé, as opposed to sparkling, fortified, or aromatised wines. The term distinguishes the fundamental wine style from its carbonated counterparts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In American marketing, 'table wine' is a more common everyday synonym, while 'still wine' is standard in technical/legal contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, 'still wine' is the default term in retail and restaurants to contrast with 'sparkling.' In the US, 'red/white wine' often implies 'still' unless specified.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English. Common in both varieties within wine industry discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “still wine” in a Sentence
N + of + still wine (e.g., 'a bottle of still wine')still wine + V (e.g., 'still wine accounts for...')Adj + still wine (e.g., 'premium still wine')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “still wine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Used attributively in the compound noun 'still wine']
American English
- [Used attributively in the compound noun 'still wine']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in import/export documentation, market reports, and sales data (e.g., 'Still wine exports grew by 5%').
Academic
Used in oenology, gastronomy, and agricultural studies to categorise wine types.
Everyday
Used when ordering or discussing wine choices (e.g., 'Would you like sparkling or still water? ...And still wine, please.').
Technical
Precise categorisation in winemaking, labelling laws, and sensory analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “still wine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “still wine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “still wine”
- Using 'still' as a noun incorrectly (e.g., 'I drink a still' instead of 'I drink still wine').
- Confusing 'still wine' with 'wine still' (the distillation apparatus).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly, yes. Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine from the Champagne region. Still wine is the category for all non-sparkling wines, including those from regions other than Champagne.
Yes, absolutely. Most rosé wines are still wines. There are also sparkling rosés (like rosé Champagne).
In common usage, especially in the US, they are often synonymous. However, 'table wine' can also have specific legal definitions regarding alcohol content, while 'still wine' is strictly defined by its lack of effervescence.
The word 'still' comes from its original sense meaning 'motionless' or 'quiet.' The wine is still because it does not have the moving, rising bubbles found in sparkling wine.
A wine that is not effervescent or sparkling.
Still wine is usually neutral/formal, with high use in technical, commercial, and culinary contexts. in register.
Still wine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstɪl ˈwaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstɪl ˈwaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms; term is technical]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STILL (calm, motionless) lake. STILL WINE is like that lake—calm and without bubbles, unlike a sparkling, bubbling brook.
Conceptual Metaphor
CALMNESS IS LACK OF EFFERVESCENCE (Still wine is 'quiet' or 'calm' wine).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining characteristic of a still wine?