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

Example Sentences

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

Jack in the Box also sells smoothies, tacos and mozzarella sticks to customers who often order from their cars.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025

Cuban-Inspired Loaded Fries: Crispy fries topped with savory picadillo, a drizzle of garlicky aioli, pickled red onions, oozy mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2025

“If you come just for the mozzarella sticks, like, I wouldn’t judge you,” one TikTokker intones in an April 2024 video that’s been viewed 6.5 million times.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2025

“Empty Plastic Bottles!” he bellowed around a mouthful of mozzarella sticks.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon