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

Tossed with olive oil, tomatoes, jalapeño, feta and Parmesan cheese, the expertly al dente Rustichella rigatoni is not your everyday mac ‘n’ cheese dinner.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Fresh lemon juice adds vibrancy, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which is cooked in the sauce and sprinkled on top of the served pasta, adds a beautiful nuttiness.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

It is opposed to cheese being labeled as Parmesan unless it is produced in the designated region in northern Italy, according to strict production standards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

The same goes for Parmesan and Romano cheese made by the Sartoris.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“I was thinking that pizza must be umami. It’s got tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. And it doesn’t really fit any of the other categories.”

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead