Parmesan

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

/ ˈpɑr məˌzɑn, -ˌzæn, -zən; ˌpɑr məˈzɑn, -ˈzæn /

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adjective

of or from Parma, in northern Italy.

noun

(sometimes lowercase)Also called Parmesan cheese . a hard, dry variety of Italian cheese made from skim milk, usually grated and sprinkled over pasta dishes and soups.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of Parmesan

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

Words nearby Parmesan

Parma ham, Parma Heights, Parma violet, Parmenides, Parmentier, Parmesan, Parmesan cheese, parmigiana, Parmigianino, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parnaíba

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Parmesan in a sentence

Make your own breadcrumbs, don’t skimp on the Parmesan and consider including beef broth for extra richness.
The Curious Warmth of Grandma’s Kitchen|Sohini Das Gupta|September 17, 2021|Ozy
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk to combine, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
A savory Dutch baby with summer vegetables is a breakfast for dinner you’ll put on repeat|Ellie Krieger|September 1, 2021|Washington Post
Someone who might include the Parmesan anecdote, but the purpose of its inclusion would be to explain not how women nag their brilliant husbands, but how brilliant men can sometimes be major jerks.
Philip Roth and the sympathetic biographer: This is how misogyny gets cemented in our culture|Monica Hesse|April 23, 2021|Washington Post
Stir in the Parmesan and add the bacon, leaving the remaining bacon grease in the pan.
Fluffy carbonara frittata, a riff on the classic pasta|Daniela Galarza|April 15, 2021|Washington Post

In medium size bowl, using a fork, blend together eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Cat Cora’s Valentine’s Day Menu for Single People|Cat Cora|February 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Add the crème fraîche, Parmesan, and lemon juice and check the seasoning.
Three Quinoa Recipes for Your Weekend Parties|Jane Coxwell|May 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Add the lettuce leaves, grated Parmesan cheese and the croutons.
Foods That We Love But Shouldn’t|Lydia Brownlow|July 15, 2011|DAILY BEAST
For example, what is labeled as “Parmesan cheese” in the U.S. is not produced in its original heartland of Emilia Romagna.
Elegy to Italian Cheese|Jesse Dart|May 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Dust the surface of the fennel with the salt and pepper, then evenly distribute the grated Parmesan over the gratin.
Eco-Chic Safari|Sophie Menin|July 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Fry in clarified dripping, and pour over the dish any white or green vegetable ragot, made hot; grate Parmesan over all.
Dressed Game and Poultry la Mode|Harriet A. de Salis
Cut some fillets of grouse into cutlet shapes, also some slices of fried bread; sprinkle the latter with grated Parmesan cheese.
Dressed Game and Poultry la Mode|Harriet A. de Salis
Let it all boil till the macaroni is tender, then add a tablespoonful of Parmesan cheese and an ounce of butter.
Dressed Game and Poultry la Mode|Harriet A. de Salis
It is also served as an entrée raw, the stalks stuffed with Parmesan cheese.
The Complete Bachelor|Walter Germain
Meanwhile she was smiling and praising the vegetable soup sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
December Love|Robert Hichens

British Dictionary definitions for Parmesan

Parmesan

/ (ˌpɑːmɪˈzæn, ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn) /

adjective

of or relating to Parma or its inhabitants

noun

a native or inhabitant of Parma

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012