bruschetta

American  

[broo-sket-uh, -shet-uh, broo-sket-tah] / brʊˈskɛt ə, -ˈʃɛt ə, bruˈskɛt tɑ /

noun

1. an Italian appetizer consisting of toasted bread slices drizzled with olive oil and usually topped with tomatoes and basil.

---

bruschetta British  

/ bruːˈskɛtə, bruˈʃɛtə /

noun

1. an Italian open sandwich of toasted bread topped with olive oil and tomatoes, olives, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of bruschetta

1950–55; < Tuscan Italian “a dish of toasted bread,” from bruscare “to toast” + the diminutive sufix -etta ( see -ette ( def. ))

Compare meaning

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

• crostini vs. bruschetta

Example Sentences

Her signature dishes included beetroot leaves on bruschetta and peach-and-tomato ice cream.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

“My name is the only thing I have,” Jarrín said as he sipped on an Arnold Palmer and nibbled on complimentary bruschetta.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025

Start with cheese platters, assorted fruit and vegetable bruschetta for a diverse selection.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

The secret to excellent pasta salads, tantalizing bruschetta and lively pasta sauces always comes down to a simple handful of chopped fresh herbs.

From Washington Times • Jun. 8, 2023

Aside from bruschetta, tomatoes and bread can be paired together to make sweet bread pudding or a rendition of summer pudding, with layers of sliced white bread and tomato compote.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2022