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

You’ve heard of Panko, Parmesan or herb-crusted fish.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Italy's Parmesan Reggiano carries the DOP certification to indicate "Protected Designation of Origin", but the name Parmesan is also used by lower-quality competitors abroad.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

They even have Parmesan cheese and olive oil in the clubhouse, where Pasquantino also gives a bottle of wine to the MVPs of the game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

A little pasta water and a shower of Parmesan will turn blended squash, stewed greens, roasted red peppers — even broccoli — into something glossy and luxurious.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Most of the time I was happy not to have to bother with food, but tonight I hungered for a mouthful of pasta, steaming hot, drowned in sauce, dusted with Parmesan.

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn