bolognese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “bolognese” mean?
A rich Italian meat sauce for pasta, typically made with minced beef, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rich Italian meat sauce for pasta, typically made with minced beef, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
Denoting a style of cooking originating from Bologna, Italy; can also refer to dishes cooked in or served with this sauce (e.g., spaghetti bolognese).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'bolognese' or 'spag bol' is a common, familiar dish. In the US, 'spaghetti bolognese' is less of a default pasta dish and may be perceived as more specifically Italian. The spelling 'bolognaise' is a rare, older variant sometimes seen in the UK.
Connotations
UK: Comfort food, common family meal. US: May connote a more 'authentic' or specific Italian restaurant dish.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English; very common in home cooking. Moderate frequency in US English, more often in restaurant contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bolognese” in a Sentence
[verb] a bolognese (make, cook, prepare)[noun] bolognese (spaghetti, pasta, sauce)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bolognese” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- We're having a bolognese night.
- It's his signature bolognese recipe.
American English
- She ordered the bolognese dish.
- The menu featured a bolognese-style sauce.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in restaurant/food industry contexts (e.g., 'Our bolognese is the house speciality').
Academic
Rare, except in historical/culinary studies about Italian cuisine or food history.
Everyday
Very high frequency in domestic and social contexts involving meal planning and cooking.
Technical
Used in professional cookery, with specific definitions regarding ingredients and method (e.g., 'a true bolognese contains soffritto, wine, and milk').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolognese”
- Misspelling: 'bolognaise' (archaic).
- Mispronunciation in AmE: Pronouncing the 'g' (it's silent: /boʊ.lənˈjeɪz/).
- Overusing as a generic term for any tomato-based pasta sauce.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes. 'Bolognese' refers to the sauce. 'Spaghetti bolognese' is the full dish name, often shortened to just 'bolognese' in context (e.g., 'We're having bolognese').
In British English: /ˌbɒl.əˈneɪz/ (bol-uh-NAYZ). In American English: /ˌboʊ.lənˈjeɪz/ (boh-luhn-YAYZ). The 'g' is silent.
Yes, versions using lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein are common and are called 'vegetarian bolognese'. A traditional Italian ragù alla bolognese, however, contains meat.
Traditionally, tagliatelle is used in Bologna. Spaghetti and fettuccine are very common internationally. Pasta with ridges or shapes that hold the sauce well (like rigatoni) are also excellent choices.
A rich Italian meat sauce for pasta, typically made with minced beef, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
Bolognese is usually informal, culinary in register.
Bolognese: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɒl.əˈneɪz/ or /ˌbɒl.əˈneɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌboʊ.lənˈjeɪz/ or /ˌbɑː.lənˈjeɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Spag bol' (UK informal shortening)”
- “All talk and no bolognese (playful pun on 'all talk and no action')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'o' in bolognese as a big meatball in your sauce.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS A HEARTY MEAL (e.g., 'a steaming bowl of bolognese after a long day').
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of an authentic bolognese sauce?