Parmesan

American  

[pahr-muh-zahn, -zan, -zuhn, pahr-muh-zahn, -zan] / ˈpɑr məˌzɑn, -ˌzæn, -zən, ˌpɑr məˈzɑn, -ˈzæn /

adjective

1. of or from Parma, in northern Italy.

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noun

1. Also called Parmesan cheese.  (sometimes lowercase) a hard, dry variety of Italian cheese made from skim milk, usually grated and sprinkled over pasta dishes and soups.

Parmesan British  

/ ˌpɑːmɪˈzæn, ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn /

adjective

1. of or relating to Parma or its inhabitants

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Parma

Etymology

Origin of Parmesan

1510–20; < Middle French < Italian parmigiano pertaining to Parma

Example Sentences

Stir in Parmesan and Pepper Jack until smooth and glossy.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

I landed on a blend: Parmesan for salt and umami and that quiet architectural integrity; Pepper Jack for melt and a soft, lingering heat that hums instead of shouts.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

The same goes for Parmesan and Romano cheese made by the Sartoris.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

It is opposed to cheese being labeled as Parmesan unless it is produced in the designated region in northern Italy, according to strict production standards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Most of the time I was happy not to have to bother with food, but tonight I hungered for a mouthful of pasta, steaming hot, drowned in sauce, dusted with Parmesan.

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn