cherries jubilee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Culinary
Quick answer
What does “cherries jubilee” mean?
A dessert consisting of cherries in a liqueur sauce, flambéed and often served over ice cream.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dessert consisting of cherries in a liqueur sauce, flambéed and often served over ice cream.
May refer to any flamboyant or celebratory cherry dessert; metaphorically, an event marked by dramatic, fiery excitement or a climax.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is equally understood in culinary circles in both regions; the dish is associated with mid-century fine dining in the US, while in the UK it may be seen as a classic restaurant dessert.
Connotations
US: Often evokes nostalgia for 1950s/60s 'continental' cuisine. UK: May connote a traditional, slightly old-fashioned luxury dessert.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation; higher frequency in culinary writing, menus, and food history contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cherries jubilee” in a Sentence
[Someone] prepares/serves [cherries jubilee].[Cherries jubilee] is served [with ice cream].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cherries jubilee” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We shall jubilee the cherries at the table.
- The waiter jubileed the dessert expertly.
American English
- He jubileed the cherries for a dramatic finish.
- They love to jubilee the dessert.
adverb
British English
- The cherries were served jubileely.
- He prepared it jubilee-style.
American English
- She cooked the cherries jubilee-fashion.
- The dish was prepared jubilee.
adjective
British English
- The jubileed cherries were magnificent.
- A jubilee cherry presentation.
American English
- The cherries jubilee experience was unforgettable.
- She prefers the jubilee style of dessert.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or culinary studies.
Everyday
Rare; used when discussing desserts or dining experiences.
Technical
Specific culinary term referring to a flambé preparation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cherries jubilee”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cherries jubilee”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cherries jubilee”
- Misspelling as 'cherry jubilee' (singular).
- Incorrectly capitalizing as a proper noun outside menu contexts.
- Pronouncing 'jubilee' with stress on the first syllable (/ˈdʒuːbɪliː/ instead of /ˌdʒuːbɪˈliː/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes, it is served over vanilla ice cream, which contrasts with the hot, alcoholic sauce.
Kirsch (cherry brandy) is traditional, but brandy or other liqueurs like Grand Marnier can be used.
It is named in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee (1897), though the modern flambéed version was popularized in the 20th century.
Yes, though rarely. It can metaphorically describe a dramatic, exciting, or climactic event (e.g., 'The finale was the cherries jubilee of the concert').
A dessert consisting of cherries in a liqueur sauce, flambéed and often served over ice cream.
Cherries jubilee is usually formal/culinary in register.
Cherries jubilee: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛrɪz ˌdʒuːbɪˈliː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛriz ˌdʒuːbəˈli/ or /ˌdʒuːbəˈleɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was the cherries jubilee of the evening. (Metaphorical: the exciting climax)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a jubilant (happy) celebration with fiery (flambéed) cherries.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CLIMAX IS A FIRE (the flambé represents a dramatic peak).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of cherries jubilee?