cassolette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely RareFormal, Technical (Culinary/Antiques)
Quick answer
What does “cassolette” mean?
A small, lidded container, often ornamental, used for holding aromatic substances like incense or perfume.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, lidded container, often ornamental, used for holding aromatic substances like incense or perfume.
Can also refer to a small, covered fireproof dish for baking and serving individual portions of food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent but very rare in both varieties. The culinary sense might be slightly more known in professional UK kitchens influenced by French cuisine.
Connotations
Connotes luxury, antiquity, or refined culinary presentation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Most English speakers would not know this word.
Grammar
How to Use “cassolette” in a Sentence
N of N (a cassolette of ragout)N prep N (served in a cassolette)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history or culinary history texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in antique catalogues, auction house descriptions, and high-end restaurant menus.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cassolette”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkæs.ə.lət/ (like 'cassette').
- Using it as a general term for any small dish.
- Spelling as 'cassolet' (missing the final 'te').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare loanword from French, used only in very specific contexts like antique descriptions or haute cuisine.
Both are small dishes, but a 'cassolette' typically has a lid and is often used for more aromatic or baked dishes where containing the scent is part of the experience. A 'ramekin' is usually lidless and used for things like crème brûlée or soufflés.
No, it refers only to the physical container. However, the container is specifically for holding substances that produce a smell, like incense.
The stress is on the final syllable: /ˌkæs.əˈlɛt/. It rhymes with 'let'.
A small, lidded container, often ornamental, used for holding aromatic substances like incense or perfume.
Cassolette is usually formal, technical (culinary/antiques) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'casserole' in a small 'letter' box → a 'cassolette' is a small, lidded dish for food or scent.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR DELICACY (both olfactory and gustatory).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you LEAST likely to encounter the word 'cassolette'?