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

Explanation

Mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese that's commonly used to make pizza. If you love that stretchy white melted cheese on your slice of pepperoni, you're a fan of mozzarella. Traditionally, mozzarella has been made from Italian water buffalo milk, although these days it's common to find cow's milk mozzarella in the store. Mozzarella is pale in color and very moist. Fresh mozzarella comes in liquid brine, and must be eaten within a few days, although shelf-stable "low-moisture" mozzarella lasts much longer and often comes already shredded. The name mozzarella comes from the Italian mozzare, "to cut off."

Example Sentences

You could absolutely use feta, goat cheese, mozzarella or cream cheese depending on what’s in your fridge, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about the melt of American cheese here.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

Cue the return of bottomless mozzarella sticks and all-you-can-eat shrimp.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

Asked to name the best thing he ate during season two, he immediately says "everything" - before singling out a handful of pasta dishes, including one made with different types of mozzarella.

From BBC • May 9, 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

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

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon