gorgonzola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “gorgonzola” mean?
A blue-veined, soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A blue-veined, soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
A specific type of Italian blue cheese named after the town of Gorgonzola, often creamy and tangy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Gorgonzola is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product, so the term is consistent.
Connotations
Associated with gourmet cooking, Italian cuisine, and strong flavors in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK culinary contexts due to stronger EU trade links, but widely recognized in US gourmet contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gorgonzola” in a Sentence
[verb] + gorgonzola: eat, melt, crumble, serve, pairVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gorgonzola” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A gorgonzola soufflé is a classic dish.
American English
- The gorgonzola dip was a hit at the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in food import/export, gourmet retail, and restaurant supply contexts.
Academic
Appears in culinary history, food science, and gastronomy papers.
Everyday
Used in cooking, shopping for cheese, and restaurant menus.
Technical
Specific in dairy science and EU protected food name regulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gorgonzola”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gorgonzola”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gorgonzola”
- Incorrect spelling: 'gorgonzola', 'gorgonzolla'. Treating it as a plural (e.g., 'gorgonzolas' is rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional Gorgonzola uses animal rennet, so it is not vegetarian. Some modern producers may use microbial rennet; check the label.
Dolce (sweet) is younger, softer, and milder. Piccante (spicy) is aged longer, firmer, crumblier, and stronger in flavour.
Yes, in many recipes, other blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort can be used, but the flavour profile will differ.
Wrap it in wax paper or parchment, then in a loose plastic bag, and store in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
A blue-veined, soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
Gorgonzola is usually formal / culinary in register.
Gorgonzola: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡɔːɡənˈzəʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡɔːrɡənˈzoʊlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GORGONzola: Imagine a GORGON (mythological monster) with blue veins, but it's actually a delicious blue cheese.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS A CULTURAL ARTEFACT (Gorgonzola represents Italian culinary tradition and craftsmanship).
Practice
Quiz
What is Gorgonzola?