Cellar

A cellar is an underground room or rooms, often beneath a house or other building. Historically, cellars were primarily used for storage, particularly of food and beverages like wine, beer, and preserved goods, due to their naturally cool temperatures and protection from the elements. However, cellars can serve diverse purposes, including housing utilities (e.g., furnaces, water heaters), providing extra living space (e.g., finished basements), or functioning as recreational areas. The presence of a cellar is often an indicator of a home's age, though modern homes frequently include basements that fulfill similar storage and functional roles. Cellars are characteristically dark, damp, and prone to containing various items from old furniture to prized possessions.

Cellar meaning with examples

• The old Victorian house had a sprawling cellar, filled with cobwebs and the scent of aged wood and forgotten things. It had originally served as a cold storage area, preserving produce. During the renovation, we discovered old wine bottles which we hope are valuable. It will become a game room once damp proofed and insulated.
• During the storm, the family sought refuge in the cellar, hoping its solid structure would provide protection. It was a traditional storage space. They had stocked it with essentials. The sound of wind and rain outside was intense, but the cellar kept it from the family. Once they were safe, the cellar's quiet and cool atmosphere was a relief.
• The antique shop's inventory included vintage furniture stored deep within the cellar. Each room was well organized. The proprietor found hidden treasures. The owner needed a dehumidifier, a must to maintain the cellar's contents. The place was a trove of curiosities, from grandfather clocks to antique armoires.
• The wine connoisseur proudly showed off his temperature-controlled cellar. The shelves held his prized collection. He explained the meticulous organization. He invited us to sample a rare vintage. The cellar provided the ideal environment to age his expensive wines to their peak perfection.
• Years of water damage had caused the walls of the cellar to deteriorate. The structure was severely damaged, and the homeowner needed a professional assessment. They faced a costly and extensive renovation project. The repairs were necessary to prevent further structural issues.