briand: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Culinary
Quick answer
What does “briand” mean?
A variety of toasted sandwich, typically prepared with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, that is grilled or baked.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A variety of toasted sandwich, typically prepared with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, that is grilled or baked.
More broadly, can refer to any savoury dish served in a toasted sandwich or open-faced format, often involving a creamy sauce and cheese. In some contexts, may refer to similar dishes named after the French statesman Aristide Briand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is extremely rare in both dialects. It might appear slightly more frequently in British culinary contexts due to historical French influence on UK haute cuisine, but it is essentially non-existent in everyday American English.
Connotations
Connotes classic French bistro cooking, old-fashioned or traditional cuisine. It has no modern slang or colloquial connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency term. An average native English speaker is highly unlikely to know this word.
Grammar
How to Use “briand” in a Sentence
[a/the] briand[a] classic briand[a] ham and cheese briandVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “briand” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will briand the sandwiches for lunch service.
American English
- We can briand these for a quick appetizer.
adjective
British English
- They offer a briand-style croque-monsieur.
American English
- It was a briand dish, rich with béchamel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or very specialised culinary studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
A technical term in professional cookery/culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “briand”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “briand”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “briand”
- Misspelling as 'Brian's' or 'Bryand'.
- Using it as a general term for any sandwich.
- Pronouncing the final 'd' (it is silent or very lightly nasalised).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialised culinary term borrowed from French.
It is pronounced approximately 'bree-ON', with a nasalised final vowel. The 'd' is silent.
They are very similar. A briand typically includes béchamel sauce both inside and on top before grilling, while a croque-monsieur might use béchamel only on top or just cheese.
It would not be understood by most people. Use 'French-style grilled ham and cheese sandwich' or 'croque-monsieur' instead for clarity.
A variety of toasted sandwich, typically prepared with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, that is grilled or baked.
Briand is usually formal/culinary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BRIAND as a BRIef AND delicious French toastie: BRI (like brie cheese) + AND (ham AND cheese).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT FOOD IS A WARM EMBRACE (the dish is warm, melted, and satisfying).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'briand' most closely associated with?