Carafe: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿถ
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carafe

 

[kษ™หˆrรฆf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

container for serving beverages

A carafe is a container, typically made of glass, used for serving beverages such as water, wine, or juice. Carafes often have a narrow neck and a wide base, making them easy to pour from without spilling.

Synonyms

decanter, jug, pitcher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
carafe

Typically used for serving water, wine, or juice at meals, often in more formal or elegant settings such as fine dining restaurants or gatherings.

  • The waiter brought a carafe of water to the table.
  • Please pour the wine into the carafe.
decanter

Used mainly for serving wine and spirits, often to allow the beverage to breathe. Common in both domestic and high-end hospitality environments where presentation and aeration are important.

  • She elegantly poured the whiskey from the decanter.
  • The wine was left to breathe in the decanter before dinner.
pitcher

Common in informal, everyday settings, often used for serving water, juice, tea, or other beverages to larger groups, particularly in American English.

  • Could you bring us a pitcher of iced tea?
  • The kids filled a pitcher with lemonade and sold it at their stand.
jug

Usually refers to a large container with a handle and spout, used for holding and pouring liquids like milk, water, or juice in casual and everyday settings.

  • He poured milk from the jug into his cereal bowl.
  • There was a jug of orange juice on the breakfast table.

Examples of usage

  • The waiter brought a carafe of water to the table.
  • She poured the wine from the carafe into the glasses.
  • The carafe was filled with freshly squeezed orange juice.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'carafe' comes from the French word for 'jug', which itself may have roots in Arabic, reflecting historical trade and cultural exchange.
  • In the 14th century, the carafe began to be used in Europe, primarily for serving wine.
  • The design evolved to have a wider mouth to help aerate the wine, enhancing its flavors.

Cultural Significance

  • Carafes are often used in fine dining settings, symbolizing sophistication and attentiveness to the drinking experience.
  • In many cultures, a carafe is not just a practical item; it's a piece of art, often decorated elaborately to enhance table aesthetics.
  • Different materials like glass, crystal, and ceramic can affect the perception of the beverage served, adding to the dining experience.

Literature

  • In literature, a carafe can symbolize hospitality, often appearing in scenes of sharing meals or intimate gatherings.
  • Many authors use detailed descriptions of carafes to evoke a sense of setting, emphasizing elegance and ritual in dining.
  • Carafes have made appearances in classic novels, illustrating the social customs and dining practices of different eras.

Science

  • A wider mouth and surface area in a carafe can promote the release of aromas, making drinks like wine more flavorful through oxidation.
  • The temperature of beverages can change quickly in a carafe, especially glass, as it allows the liquid to breathe and stabilize to room temperature.
  • Research in sensory analysis emphasizes how the shape and material of the container can influence taste perception.

Pop Culture

  • Carafes often find their way into movies and TV shows as symbols of wealth, class, and elegance in dining scenes.
  • Popular shows featuring wine tasting often include carafes to suggest a particular lifestyle and palate sophistication.
  • They are a common prop in many romantic comedies, often used in dinner scenes that set the tone for intimacy and connection.

Translations

Translations of the word "carafe" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น garrafa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฐเคพเคซ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Karaffe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ karaf

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะฐั€ะฐั„ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ karafka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ซใƒฉใƒ•ใ‚ง

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท carafe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ jarra

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท karaf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ์นดํ„ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ุงุฑูˆุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ karafa

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ karafa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็Žป็’ƒ็“ถ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ karaฤa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ karaffa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณั€ะฐั„ะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒ แƒแƒคแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qrafin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ jarra

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,579 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.