Pecorino

American  

[pek-uh-ree-noh] / ˌpɛk əˈri noʊ /

noun

plural

Pecorinos, Pecorini

1. (often lowercase) a dry, hard Italian cheese made of ewe's milk, especially Romano.

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pecorino British  

/ ˌpɛkəˈriːnəʊ /

noun

1. an Italian cheese made from ewes' milk

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Etymology

Origin of Pecorino

First recorded in 1905–10; from Italian: literally, “(cheese) of ewes,” from adjective pecorino, from pecora “sheep, ewe” + -ino, from Late Latin pecorīnus “relating to sheep,” from Latin pecus (stem pecor- ) “farm animals, livestock” + -īnus adjective suffix; akin to fief ( def. ); -ine ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Sheep milk is too rich in fat and protein for most to drink but creates delectable cheese such as Manchego, Pecorino and feta.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 16, 2023

“Tell me your feelings about pecorino,” I said, and they both started laughing, and then said that they have an imaginary rat mascot named Pecorino who helps them out, “Ratatouille”-style.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

The Kitchn's version substitutes white cheddar for the traditional Pecorino or Parm.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2023

Add some grated Italian cheese like Pecorino Romano or Parmesan and finish with some fruity-bitter-grassy extra virgin olive oil and crushed, dried red pepper flakes — well, it's just my favorite thing.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2022

Romano and Pecorino Romano are interchangeable names for the strong, medium-sharp and piquant Parmesan types that sell for considerably less.

From The Complete Book of Cheese by Brown, Robert Carlton