cognac

noun

co·​gnac ˈkōn-ˌyak How to pronounce cognac (audio)
also ˈkȯn-
or ˈkän-
variants often Cognac
: a brandy from the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime distilled from white wine

Examples of cognac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Longer term, there has been speculation — which Lewis played down in February — that Diageo’s 34% stake in the champagne and cognac business Moët Hennessy may be sold to majority shareholder LVMH. — Ian King, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 Grab it in cognac or one of the four other shades, including new summer colors. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 The escargot de Bourgogne, finished with garlic herb butter and cognac, leans into French brasserie culture in a way that feels right for the address. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 The polished-looking accessory comes in three timeless colors—black, taupe, and cognac—and features a thin adjustable strap that can be worn as a crossbody or belt bag for hands-free, stylish travel. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cognac

Word History

Etymology

French, from Cognac, France

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cognac was in 1751

Rhymes for cognac

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Browse Nearby Words

cogman
cognac
cognate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cognac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognac. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cognac

noun
co·​gnac ˈkōn-ˌyak How to pronounce cognac (audio)
often capitalized
: a French brandy
Etymology

named for Cognac, town in France in and near which it is made

More from Merriam-Webster on cognac

Nglish: Translation of cognac for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cognac

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