brochette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Culinary / Formal
Quick answer
What does “brochette” mean?
A skewer on which pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables are cooked or served.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A skewer on which pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables are cooked or served.
A dish of food cooked or served on a skewer, particularly associated with French cuisine and its international interpretations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, though it may be perceived as slightly more high-end or specialist in British English. In American English, it might appear more frequently in restaurant contexts.
Connotations
Connotes French-style cuisine, formal dining, and often fine dining. Suggests carefully prepared, elegant presentation.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in everyday conversation; high frequency in specific culinary, hospitality, and fine-dining contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “brochette” in a Sentence
N of N (a brochette of prawns)N with N (brochette with peppers)N served on N (brochette served on a bed of rice)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brochette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard; 'skewer' used instead] The recipe says to skewer the chicken and peppers alternately.
American English
- [Not standard; 'skewer' used instead] Skewer the shrimp and pineapple for the brochette.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Rare; 'brochette' typically a noun] The brochette-style presentation was elegant.
American English
- [Rare; 'brochette' typically a noun] They served brochette appetisers at the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In hospitality business plans, menus, and culinary tourism marketing.
Academic
In culinary arts textbooks, historical studies of food, and socio-linguistic papers on loanwords.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except when discussing restaurant meals or specific recipes.
Technical
In professional chef training, cookery books, and restaurant kitchen terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brochette”
- Mispronunciation: /broʊˈtʃɛt/ (bro-chet) instead of /broʊˈʃɛt/ (bro-shet).
- Incorrect plural: 'brochettes' (correct) vs. 'brochette' (for multiple).
- Using as a verb (to brochette) is non-standard; 'to skewer' is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both involve food on a skewer, 'brochette' is a French term often implying a specific, elegant style and preparation, whereas 'kebab' has broader, often Middle Eastern or South Asian connotations.
No, it is not standard in English. Use 'to skewer' instead (e.g., 'Skewer the pieces of meat').
In British English: /brɒˈʃet/ (bro-SHET). In American English: /broʊˈʃɛt/ (broh-SHET). The 'ch' is pronounced like 'sh'.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialist term. It is common in menus, cookbooks, and food writing, but rare in casual conversation where 'skewer' or 'kebab' is more likely.
A skewer on which pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables are cooked or served.
Brochette is usually culinary / formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this lexical item]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRO-chef-ette' - a little thing for a bro (chef) to use. A small skewer used by chefs.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS ART (arranged elegantly on a stick). LINE IS A THREAD (items threaded in a line).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a 'brochette'?