brioche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “brioche” mean?
A light, slightly sweet, yeasted bread of French origin, enriched with eggs and butter, typically baked in a fluted, round mold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light, slightly sweet, yeasted bread of French origin, enriched with eggs and butter, typically baked in a fluted, round mold.
Used metonymically to refer to a soft, comfortable lifestyle or material indulgence, often in the phrase 'let them eat cake' (though the original French phrase 'Qu'ils mangent de la brioche' uses 'brioche').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the French loanword. Pronunciations differ (see IPA).
Connotations
Both carry connotations of sophistication, French patisserie, and indulgence.
Frequency
Similar frequency in food-related contexts. Slightly more common in UK media due to geographic proximity to France, but not a significant difference.
Grammar
How to Use “brioche” in a Sentence
NOUN + of + brioche (a loaf of brioche)brioche + NOUN (brioche loaf, brioche roll)ADJECTIVE + brioche (stale brioche)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brioche” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She served a lovely brioche loaf.
- The burger came in a brioche-style bun.
American English
- He ordered the French toast made with brioche bread.
- We bought brioche dough from the specialty market.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of bakery, food retail, or hospitality.
Academic
Appears in historical, cultural, or culinary studies discussing French history or food science.
Everyday
Common in discussions about baking, breakfast, or patisseries.
Technical
Used in baking and culinary arts to specify a type of dough with high egg and butter content.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brioche”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brioche”
- Misspelling: 'broiche', 'briosh'.
- Mispronunciation: /braɪˈɒtʃ/ (as in 'biro').
- Using it as a countable noun for the material ('a brioche' is correct for a whole loaf; 'some brioche' for pieces).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is classified as a 'viennoiserie' or enriched yeasted bread. Although sweet and rich like some cakes, its leavening with yeast and dough-like texture make it a bread.
In British English, it's /ˈbriːɒʃ/ (BREE-osh). In American English, it's commonly /briˈoʊʃ/ (bree-OHSH) or /ˈbriːoʊʃ/ (BREE-ohsh).
Yes, brioche buns are popular for gourmet burgers and pulled pork. Sliced brioche loaf can be used for sweet or savoury sandwiches, though its sweetness may not pair with all fillings.
The phrase 'Qu'ils mangent de la brioche' appears in Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 'Confessions' (1782), attributed to 'a great princess'. It was later (and likely incorrectly) popularised as a quote from Marie Antoinette, symbolising the aristocracy's ignorance of the common people's plight.
A light, slightly sweet, yeasted bread of French origin, enriched with eggs and butter, typically baked in a fluted, round mold.
Brioche is usually formal to neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Let them eat brioche' (historical/misattributed)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BRIO' (vigour/liveliness) + 'che' (like in 'quiche'). A lively, rich, quiche-like bread.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY/INDULGENCE IS BRIOCHE (e.g., 'a brioche lifestyle').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of brioche dough?