Definition

Proper noun 1. A major city in Iran: Shiraz is a city located in the Fars Province in the southwest of Iran. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, gardens, poetry, and wine (historically). 2. A type of grape/wine: The name is also used internationally for a dark-skinned grape variety (Syrah) and the red wine produced from it, though this usage is primarily associated with Australia.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (City):

  • Shiraz is often called the city of poets, wine, and flowers.
  • We visited the beautiful gardens of Shiraz during our trip to Iran.
  • The ancient ruins of Persepolis are located near Shiraz.

• Proper noun (Wine grape):

  • This bottle of Australian Shiraz has a rich, peppery flavor.
  • The Shiraz grape is known for producing full-bodied red wines.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Reference: Shiraz is historically associated with the production of Persian wine, celebrated in classical Persian poetry by poets like Hafez and Saadi, who lived in the city.
• Linguistic Note: In the global wine industry, "Shiraz" typically denotes the Australian (and sometimes South African) style of wine made from the Syrah grape, which is often fruitier and softer than the "Syrah" wines from France's Rhône region.

Variants and Related Words

• Syrah (n): The French name for the same grape variety, commonly used for wines from the Rhône Valley and other regions outside Australia.
• Shirazi (adj): Denoting something from or related to the city of Shiraz (e.g., Shirazi salad).

Synonyms

• (For the city): None (proper noun).
• (For the wine): Syrah (in specific viticultural contexts).

Related Phrases

• Shiraz wine: The complete term for the beverage.
  • He prefers a bold Shiraz wine with his steak.
• Shiraz grape: The complete term for the fruit.
  • The Shiraz grape thrives in warm climates.

Noun

1. a city in central southwestern Iran; ruins of ancient Persepolis are nearby