mozzarella

American  

[mot-suh-rel-luh, moht-] / ˌmɒt səˈrɛl lə, ˌmoʊt- /

noun

1. a mild, white, semisoft Italian cheese.

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mozzarella British  

/ ˌmɒtsəˈrɛlə /

noun

1. a moist white Italian curd cheese made originally from buffalo milk

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Etymology

Origin of mozzarella

1910–15; < Italian, equivalent to mozza a kind of cheese (literally, a cut; compare mozzare to cut off ) + -rella -rel

Compare meaning

How does mozzarella compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• burrata vs. mozzarella

Explanation

Mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese that's commonly used to make pizza. If you love that stretchy white melted cheese on your slice of pepperoni, you're a fan of mozzarella. Traditionally, mozzarella has been made from Italian water buffalo milk, although these days it's common to find cow's milk mozzarella in the store. Mozzarella is pale in color and very moist. Fresh mozzarella comes in liquid brine, and must be eaten within a few days, although shelf-stable "low-moisture" mozzarella lasts much longer and often comes already shredded. The name mozzarella comes from the Italian mozzare, "to cut off."

Example Sentences

Cue the return of bottomless mozzarella sticks and all-you-can-eat shrimp.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

Asked to name the best thing he ate during season two, he immediately says "everything" - before singling out a handful of pasta dishes, including one made with different types of mozzarella.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

It’s got cashew mozzarella, tomato sauce, Italian sausage crumble and more.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The appetizers, especially the charred grapes with mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar cream, were better than the main course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“Except that I’m actually full. Buffalo mozzarella breadsticks with pumpkin seed sauce, you know.”

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali