focaccia

American  

[foh-kah-chuh] / foʊˈkɑ tʃə /

noun

plural

focaccias

1. a large, round, flat Italian bread, sprinkled before baking with olive oil, salt, and often herbs.

---

focaccia British  

/ fəˈkætʃə /

noun

1. a flat Italian bread made with olive oil and yeast

---

Etymology

Origin of focaccia

1975–80; < Italian < Late Latin focacia (neuter plural), derivative of Latin focus hearth, perhaps with -āceus -aceous

Explanation

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that's similar to pizza crust. You can eat focaccia on its own, or use it to make an especially delicious sandwich. Focaccia is an Italian word that comes from its ancient Roman version, panis focacius, or "hearth bread." The Latin root is focus, "hearth or place for baking." If you're trying focaccia for the first time, you'll notice its similarity to brick oven pizza without the toppings. Focaccia also tends to be a bit thicker and chewier than pizza crust, because it gets an extra rise before it's baked.

Example Sentences

There's even a focaccia cake with roasted tomato, pesto and feta icing – a savoury offering Sunga is delighted to see.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

In 2020, the company rolled out rosemary focaccia, which remains on the menu.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

Squares of focaccia, still plush in the center and flecked with rosemary and fat flakes of sea salt.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

Last year, 4 Eyes Bakery, based in Staveley near Chesterfield, won with its garlic and rosemary deep pan focaccia creation.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025

At Indio Central Market, Italian deli All’Antico Vinaio is offering its signature focaccia sandwiches, including the festival-exclusive La Coachella with prosciutto, stracciatella, sun-dried tomato and basil.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025