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.

---

noun

Parmesans plural

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

---

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Parma

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• Parmesans
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Parmesan

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

Example Sentences

Blackstone Products of Providence, Utah is recalling certain lots of Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning products, according to a U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 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

The miso adds a quiet, savory hum beneath the Parmesan and Pecorino, while the final hit of black pepper keeps everything sharp.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 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

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