What does "varietal" mean?
A wine made primarily from or exclusively from a single variety of grape, which carries the name of that grape.
Varietal
/vəˈɹaɪətəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A wine made primarily from or exclusively from a single variety of grape, which carries the name of that grape.
- Grammar: varietal is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: varietal wine, cultivar, cultivar related, cultivar specific.
- Useful contrasts: blended wine, generic, mixed wine.
- Usage evidence: An assessment of a selection of regional, varietal, and slang dictionaries also found that little lexicographical effort has been extended to these terms.
How to use "varietal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "varietal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "varietal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "varietal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "varietal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "varietal" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "varietal wine" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "varietal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A wine made primarily from or exclusively from a single variety of grape, which carries the name of that grape.
"The varietal Merlot has rich red color and a robust fruity taste. Cabernet Sauvignon is a varietal that descended from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc."
- 2 a wine made principally from one grape and carrying the name of that grape wordnet
- 3 A coffee made primarily from or exclusively from a single variety of coffee bean. broadly
Adjective
- 1 Pertaining to a distinct variety of organism. not-comparable
- 2 Made from a single specific variety (especially of grapes in wine). not-comparable
- 3 Of or relating to a variety of a language. not-comparable
"An assessment of a selection of regional, varietal, and slang dictionaries also found that little lexicographical effort has been extended to these terms."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"An assessment of a selection of regional, varietal, and slang dictionaries also found that little lexicographical effort has been extended to these terms."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "varietal"?
Common synonyms include: varietal wine, cultivar, cultivar related, cultivar specific, fruit-tree cultivar, grape specific wine.
How do you use "varietal" in a sentence?
An assessment of a selection of regional, varietal, and slang dictionaries also found that little lexicographical effort has been extended to these terms.
How do you pronounce "varietal"?
Pronounced /vəˈɹaɪətəl/.
Etymology
From variety + -al.