greek yogurt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal.
Quick answer
What does “greek yogurt” mean?
A thick, tangy type of yoghurt from which most of the whey has been strained, resulting in a creamy, concentrated texture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, tangy type of yoghurt from which most of the whey has been strained, resulting in a creamy, concentrated texture.
Often marketed as a premium, high-protein dairy product associated with health and fitness. Can also be used as a substitute for higher-fat ingredients like sour cream in cooking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'yoghurt' (UK) vs. 'yogurt' (US). The term 'Greek-style yoghurt' is also common to describe products not made in Greece.
Connotations
Similar health and premium connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, a staple in supermarkets.
Grammar
How to Use “greek yogurt” in a Sentence
[eat/have] Greek yoghurt [for breakfast][use] Greek yoghurt [as a substitute for sour cream][top] the curry [with] a spoonful of Greek yoghurtVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greek yogurt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We should greek this yoghurt to make it thicker. (Informal/rare)
American English
- She Greeked the yogurt by straining it through cheesecloth. (Informal/rare)
adverb
British English
- The dessert was prepared Greek-yoghurt style.
American English
- She served it Greek-yogurt thick.
adjective
British English
- The recipe calls for a Greek-yoghurt base.
American English
- He prefers a Greek-yogurt consistency in his smoothies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Appears in retail, food manufacturing, and marketing reports.
Academic
Appears in nutritional science, food chemistry, and public health studies.
Everyday
Very common in discussions about diet, cooking, and shopping.
Technical
Defined by its manufacturing process (straining) and fat/protein content.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greek yogurt”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greek yogurt”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greek yogurt”
- Using 'Greek yoghurt' to refer to any thick yoghurt (some are simply thickened with starches). Confusing it with 'Icelandic skyr' (a cheese, technically different).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Greek yoghurt is strained to remove much of the liquid whey, making it thicker and higher in protein than regular yoghurt.
Yes, by straining regular plain yoghurt through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer for several hours.
The method originates from traditional practices in Greece and surrounding regions. The term is now used globally for yoghurt made using this straining process.
It is generally considered healthy due to its high protein and probiotic content, but nutritional value depends on fat content (full-fat vs. low-fat) and added sugars in flavoured varieties.
A thick, tangy type of yoghurt from which most of the whey has been strained, resulting in a creamy, concentrated texture.
Greek yogurt is usually neutral to informal. in register.
Greek yogurt: in British English it is pronounced /ɡriːk ˈjɒɡ.ət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡriːk ˈjoʊ.ɡɚt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GREECE: Greatly Reduced Excess liquid, Excellent Creamy Substance.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS PURITY (straining removes impurities/whey).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining characteristic of Greek yoghurt?