Parmesan

[pahr-muh-zahn, -zan, -zuhn, pahr-muh-zahn, -zan]

adjective

1. of or from Parma, in northern Italy.

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

/ ˌpɑːmɪˈzæn, ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn /

adjective

1. of or relating to Parma or its inhabitants

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Parma

Word History and Origins

Origin of Parmesan¹

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

Example Sentences

The pasta starts with béchamel sauce that’s stirred in with sweet butternut squash purée and a “rich, nutty, and tangy blend of Gouda, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses,” according to TJ’s.

From Salon

I had that moment myself the first time I tasted real Parmesan cheese.

From Salon

It comes with a little ketchup on it and I get a side salad, which is like arugula and a little Parmesan and maybe a small orange juice.

From Los Angeles Times

Spoon the reserved sauce over the top, then scatter with the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan.

From Salon

As I wrote, “I accidentally let some fennel tossed with gruyere and Parmesan go a little longer in the oven than I had initially intended.”

From Salon