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

Parmesans plural

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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• Parmesans
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Parmesan

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

Example Sentences

Blackstone Products of Providence, Utah is recalling certain lots of Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning products, according to a U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The miso adds a quiet, savory hum beneath the Parmesan and Pecorino, while the final hit of black pepper keeps everything sharp.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 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

He learns that one does not grate Parmesan cheese over pasta dishes containing seafood.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri