yogurt

American  

[yoh-gert] / ˈyoʊ gərt /

Or yoghurt

noun

1. a tart, custardlike food made from milk curdled by the action of bacterial cultures, sometimes sweetened or flavored.

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yogurt British  

/ ˈjɒɡ-, ˈjəʊɡət /

noun

1. a thick custard-like food prepared from milk that has been curdled by bacteria, often sweetened and flavoured with fruit, chocolate, etc

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Etymology

Origin of yogurt

First recorded in 1615–25; from Turkish yoğurt

Explanation

Yogurt is a creamy, slightly sour food that many people like to eat for breakfast. Frozen yogurt also makes a delicious dessert — especially with plenty of chocolate sprinkles. Yogurt is basically fermented milk, made thick and creamy by lactic acid and bacteria — it may not sound very appetizing described that way, but yogurt is a tasty food made even more delectable by the addition of sweeteners and fruit, or in savory dishes by salt and spices. And yogurt is good for you, adding healthy bacteria to your digestive system. The word comes from the Turkish yoǧurt, from a root meaning "condense."

Example Sentences

Yogurt spending rose the most, followed by fresh fruit, nutrition bars, and meat snacks.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2026

Yogurt and cheese are also fermented foods, which can help keep the gut microbiome healthy and reduce inflammation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 18, 2025

The news so far, according to Variety, is this: Brooks will be back as Yogurt — just plain Yogurt — and Josh Gad will star.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2025

Yogurt spiked with garlic, tahini and lemon ties everything together.

From Washington Times • Aug. 30, 2023

Yogurt, cheese, and prepared dry beans were among the most commonly found other foods.

From Area Handbook for Albania by Elpern, Sarah Jane