tokay: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “tokay” mean?
A type of sweet dessert wine originally from the Tokaj region of Hungary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of sweet dessert wine originally from the Tokaj region of Hungary.
A species of large gecko (Gekko gecko), native to Southeast Asia, named for its call that sounds like "to-kay".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Spelling is consistent. The wine is more likely to be referenced in a British or European culinary context, while the gecko might be more commonly encountered in American pet trade discussions.
Connotations
The wine connotes luxury, tradition, and specific terroir. The gecko connotes exotic pets, tropical environments, and its distinctive vocalization.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher frequency in niche contexts (oenology, herpetology).
Grammar
How to Use “tokay” in a Sentence
Noun + 'is made from' (e.g., Tokay is made from botrytised grapes).Verb + 'to call' (e.g., The gecko began to tokay loudly).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tokay” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gecko began to tokay, its loud call echoing in the conservatory.
American English
- You could hear the gecko tokaying from the next room.
adjective
British English
- He preferred a Tokay-style dessert wine.
American English
- They served a lovely tokay wine with the pie.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche wine or pet import/export contexts.
Academic
Used in oenology (wine science) and herpetology (reptile study) papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Precise term for a specific wine appellation or a specific reptile species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tokay”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tokay”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tokay”
- Confusing the two primary meanings (wine vs. lizard).
- Misspelling as 'tokey' or 'tockay'.
- Assuming it is a common word and using it without sufficient context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern EU law, 'Tokaji' is the protected designation for wines from the Tokaj region. 'Tokay' was a historical English term for such wines and is still used informally, but the correct protected term is Tokaji.
It is not venomous to humans, but it has a powerful bite and can be aggressive. It is a large, carnivorous lizard.
It is pronounced 'toh-KAY', with the stress on the second syllable, in both British and American English.
Yes, but only in reference to the gecko. It means to produce its characteristic 'to-kay' call.
A type of sweet dessert wine originally from the Tokaj region of Hungary.
Tokay is usually specialized in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOKAY lizard calling 'TO-KAY!' while sipping TOKAY wine in Hungary.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND FOR SOURCE: The lizard's call gives it its name (onomatopoeia). PLACE FOR PRODUCT: The Tokaj region gives its name to the wine (metonymy).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a primary meaning of 'tokay'?