cellar in English
- cellar⇄cellar, noun, verb.
- cellar⇄expr. the cellar, (U.S. Informal, Sports.) the last place in a ranking.
Ex. In the last twelve years the team has missed the playoffs eleven times, and has finished in the cellar in the six-team NHL nine times (Maclean's). - cellar⇄noun 1. an underground room or rooms, usually under a building and often used for storing food or fuel.
Ex. The plumber went down into the cellar to fix the leaky pipe. I came upstairs into the world, for I was born in a cellar (William Congreve). - cellar⇄v.t. to put into a cellar; store as if in a cellar.
Ex. his sympathies ... cellared in the depths of his mind (W. S. Mayo).
cellar in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
cellar in Kashmiri कॉशुर
cellar in Nepali नेपाली
cellar in Sindhi سنڌي
Cellar
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛlər/
Definitions
- A room below ground level in a house or building, typically used for storage, especially for wine.
- In some contexts, the term may also refer to a space where food, tools, or other goods are stored, typically in a cool, dry environment.
- A place where wine is made, stored, or aged.
Usage Examples
- We keep the wine in the cellar to age properly.
- The cellar was stocked with jars of homemade preserves and vegetables.
- The storm caused a flood in the cellar, ruining much of the stored equipment.
Etymology
The word "cellar" comes from the Old French "celier," which originated from the Latin word "cellarium," meaning a storeroom or pantry. The term originally referred to a room or space used for storing food or provisions, especially in monasteries. Over time, the usage broadened to include spaces for storing various goods, particularly wine.
Synonyms
- Basement
- Vault
- Storage room
- Wine cellar
Antonyms
- Attic
- Upper floor
- Roof
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | قبو | Qabo |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 地窖 | Dìjiào |
| French | Cave | Kaav |
| German | Keller | Kel-ler |
| Hindi | तहख़ाना | Tahkhana |
| Spanish | Sótano | Soh-tah-no |
| Italian | Cantina | Can-tee-nah |
| Japanese | 地下室 | Chikashitsu |
| Korean | 지하실 | Jiha-sil |
| Portuguese | Adega | Ah-deh-gah |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "cellar" is generally consistent in English, though speakers from different regions may vary in emphasis on syllables. In American English, it is commonly pronounced with stress on the first syllable, whereas British English might place a slight emphasis on the second syllable.
Historical Usage
The term "cellar" has been used since the 13th century and originally referred to a room used for storing food, especially wine. In medieval Europe, monasteries often had cellars to store provisions and wine for religious rituals. As the use of wine for aging and storage expanded, the cellar became more associated with wine and its preservation. Today, the term still retains its association with wine storage but is also used in a broader context for basements and storage rooms in homes.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, the cellar has a special significance as a space for food preservation. In wine-producing regions, the cellar is a symbol of craftsmanship and aging, often regarded as a sacred place where quality wine is carefully tended over time. The cellar also plays an important role in historical contexts, as it was often used for storing food and valuable goods in times of need.
More Information
The cellar, particularly in the context of wine, represents a space where time and careful attention to detail result in the creation of something special. The practice of storing wine in cellars dates back to ancient civilizations and continues to be a part of wine culture today. In modern architecture, cellars are also used for storage of household goods, and their designs have evolved to meet the needs of contemporary living, sometimes incorporating modern conveniences like temperature control and humidity regulation to maintain the integrity of the stored goods. The cellar remains a place of both practical utility and cultural significance in many parts of the world.