creme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumFormal to Technical (culinary), sometimes aspirational/luxury in marketing.
Quick answer
What does “creme” mean?
A rich, smooth, creamy substance, typically used in cooking and cosmetics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rich, smooth, creamy substance, typically used in cooking and cosmetics.
Used as a culinary term for creamy preparations, and figuratively to denote something of the highest quality or the best part of something (e.g., 'crème de la crème').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties accept the French spelling. In British English, 'cream' is the standard term for the dairy product, while 'crème' is reserved for specific, often luxurious, preparations. American English may use 'creme' more freely in commercial product names for non-dairy substitutes (e.g., 'creme filling').
Connotations
In both, it connotes luxury, richness, and sophistication. In American marketing, 'creme' can sometimes imply an artificial or non-dairy version.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to closer culinary ties to French terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “creme” in a Sentence
[Prep] crème de [noun] (e.g., crème de menthe)[Adj] + crème (e.g., whipped crème)crème + [of + noun] (e.g., the crème of society)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “creme” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A crème liqueur
- The crème centre was delicious.
American English
- A creme-filled donut
- She preferred the creme variant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in branding for luxury goods, cosmetics, and gourmet foods.
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies discussing French influence.
Everyday
Primarily in discussing specific desserts or high-end skincare.
Technical
Precise term in French cuisine and sometimes in cosmetic chemistry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “creme”
- Misspelling as 'cream' when referring to the specific French dish (e.g., 'cream brûlée').
- Pronouncing the final 'e' in 'crème' (it is silent).
- Using it as a direct synonym for standard dairy 'cream' in everyday contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from French, fully naturalized in English, especially in culinary and cosmetic contexts. The accented form 'crème' is common.
'Cream' is the standard English word for the dairy product. 'Crème' (or 'creme') typically refers to specific, often sophisticated, preparations like desserts, liqueurs, or cosmetic emulsions, and carries a connotation of luxury or Frenchness.
In British English: /ˌkrɛm bruːˈleɪ/. In American English: /ˌkrɛm bruˈleɪ/. The 'è' is like the 'e' in 'bed', and the 'û' is like a soft 'oo'.
It is a French phrase used in English meaning 'the best of the best' or 'the elite of a particular group'.
A rich, smooth, creamy substance, typically used in cooking and cosmetics.
Creme is usually formal to technical (culinary), sometimes aspirational/luxury in marketing. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “crème de la crème (the very best of a group)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the ACCENT in 'crème' as a little CHEF'S HAT, signaling it's a fancy French culinary term.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS RICHNESS (e.g., 'the crème de la crème of artists').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the spelling 'crème' most appropriate?