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

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

Etymology

Origin of Parmesan

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

Example Sentences

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

In 2023, an American business marketing grated cheese was caught by the Consorzio’s enforcers using the word Parmesan at a German food fair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Finish with lemon zest, a squeeze of juice, grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

For the first time more than half of Parmesan cheese was exported, as Italy's population declines and consumers watch their spending, producers said Thursday.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Poe serves the most beautiful-looking lobster pasta dish I have ever seen, garnished with basil leaves and fresh Parmesan and even truffles!

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott