malmsey

noun

malm·​sey ˈmäm-zē How to pronounce malmsey (audio) ˈmälm- How to pronounce malmsey (audio)
variants often Malmsey
: the sweetest variety of Madeira wine

Word History

Etymology

Middle English malmesey, from Medieval Latin Malmasia Monemvasia, village in Greece where a sweet wine was produced

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malmsey was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Malmsey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malmsey. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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