cannoli: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Informal
Quick answer
What does “cannoli” mean?
A traditional Italian pastry consisting of a tube-shaped, fried pastry shell (or dough) filled with a sweet, creamy filling, most commonly ricotta cheese.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Italian pastry consisting of a tube-shaped, fried pastry shell (or dough) filled with a sweet, creamy filling, most commonly ricotta cheese.
As a cultural symbol, it represents a culinary icon of Sicilian and broader Italian-American cuisine. In contexts beyond food, the word can be used metaphorically to denote something Italianate, indulgent, or satisfying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known primarily through Italian cuisine and food culture. It is more common and integrated into American English due to the larger Italian-American population.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with authentic Italian/Sicilian food. In American English, it has strong connotations of Italian-American family gatherings, bakeries, and desserts.
Frequency
Significantly higher frequency in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “cannoli” in a Sentence
[make/bake/fill/eat] cannoli[serve/order] cannoli for [dessert/the party]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cannoli” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef is cannoli-ing the desserts for the banquet.
American English
- She spent the afternoon cannoli-making for the family reunion.
adverb
British English
- The dessert was prepared cannoli-style.
American English
- She ate the pastry quite cannoli-like, savouring each bite.
adjective
British English
- The cafe had a distinct cannoli vibe.
American English
- He's a real cannoli connoisseur.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in the food industry (restaurant/bakery menus, marketing).
Academic
Rare, found in cultural studies, food history, or anthropology contexts.
Everyday
Common in conversations about food, restaurants, baking, and cultural events.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cannoli”
- Using singular 'cannolo' in English contexts is uncommon and sounds overly pedantic. Saying 'cannolis' is incorrect (as 'cannoli' is already plural). Confusing it with other pastries like éclairs or profiteroles.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In English, "one cannoli" is the standard and widely accepted singular usage, even though 'cannoli' is technically plural in Italian ('cannolo' is singular).
The classic and most traditional filling is sweetened sheep's milk ricotta cheese, often flavoured with vanilla, chocolate chips, candied fruit, or pistachio.
They are typically served at room temperature or chilled. The shell should be crisp, so they are best consumed shortly after filling to prevent sogginess.
Traditional cannoli filling contains animal-derived rennet in the ricotta, making it unsuitable for strict vegetarians. However, many modern versions use vegetarian rennet or alternative fillings.
A traditional Italian pastry consisting of a tube-shaped, fried pastry shell (or dough) filled with a sweet, creamy filling, most commonly ricotta cheese.
Cannoli is usually formal / informal in register.
Cannoli: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈnəʊ.li/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈnoʊ.li/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"That's the way the cannoli crumbles" (a pun on the idiom "that's the way the cookie crumbles", humorously indicating acceptance of fate).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CANNON that fires delicious tubes of pastry – the 'cannoli' shells look like little edible cannons.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDULGENCE / CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY IS A CANNOLI (e.g., 'The meal wasn't complete without that authentic cannoli').
Practice
Quiz
Which statement about the word 'cannoli' in English is correct?