fontina: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1specialized/culinary
Quick answer
What does “fontina” mean?
A semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
A type of cheese, typically from the Valle d'Aosta region, known for its mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, often used in cooking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between British and American English for this term.
Connotations
Connotes Italian cuisine, quality ingredients, and gourmet cooking in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but used in culinary contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “fontina” in a Sentence
[verb] + fontina (e.g., grate, melt, slice)fontina + [verb] (e.g., fontina melts well)fontina + [noun] (e.g., fontina sandwich, fontina sauce)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fontina” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fontina fondue was delicious.
- We enjoyed a fontina-based sauce.
American English
- She made a fontina grilled cheese.
- The recipe calls for a fontina topping.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of food import/export or restaurant supply.
Academic
May appear in food science, culinary history, or gastronomy papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing cooking, recipes, or cheese selections.
Technical
Used in cheesemaking and professional culinary terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fontina”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fontina”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fontina”
- Misspelling as 'fontinna' or 'fotina'.
- Using it as a countable noun without 'cheese' (e.g., 'a fontina' is less common than 'a piece of fontina').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Fontina is a semi-soft cheese.
Fontina originates from the Valle d'Aosta region in Italy.
Yes, fontina melts very well, making it excellent for grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, and casseroles.
It refers to the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) version of the cheese, produced according to traditional methods in the Aosta Valley.
A semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
Fontina is usually specialized/culinary in register.
Fontina: in British English it is pronounced /fɒnˈtiːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɑːnˈtiːnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FONduta (Italian fondue) - FONTINA melts perfectly into it.
Conceptual Metaphor
FONTINA IS A VERSATILE TOOL (for cooking).
Practice
Quiz
What is fontina primarily known for?