Definition of cellar

The term "cellar" originated in medieval times, during which people began to build cellars or underground storage spaces for storing their food and beverages. The word "cellar" is derived from the Old English word "CELRE," which literally meant "little room" or "Small Chamber." In Old English, the word was spelled "ceolre," and it is believed to have been derived from the West Germanic word "kellê," which means "cell" or "room." The word "CELRE" was used to refer to a variety of small rooms, including storage spaces, living quarters, and even prison cells. As trade and commerce began to flourish in medieval Europe, people started storing their food and drink in cellars to preserve them for longer periods, as it was cooler and more consistent in temperature than the above-ground environment. The use of cellars as storage spaces for wine and other drinks can be traced back to the 12th century. The caves and underground galleries of Champagne region in France, for example, were already being used for vinification and aging wine in the late Middle Ages. Over time, the meaning of "cellar" has evolved, and today it not only refers to a below-ground space used for storage but also to a room or space in a building specifically designed for aging and storing wine or other beverages.