grissini: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Semi-formal, chiefly culinary contexts
Quick answer
What does “grissini” mean?
Long, thin, crisp sticks of bread, typically baked without much rising agent, originating from Italy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Long, thin, crisp sticks of bread, typically baked without much rising agent, originating from Italy.
A type of dry, elongated breadstick served as an appetiser or snack, often alongside meals or with dips. The term is also sometimes used metaphorically to describe something very thin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the Italian plural form 'grissini' is standard. In the US, the anglicised 'breadsticks' is more common in general use, though 'grissini' is recognised in upscale or Italian culinary contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'grissini' connotes authenticity, Italian cuisine, and often a more artisanal, crisp variety compared to the softer, more generic 'breadsticks'.
Frequency
The term is low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions, but more likely to appear on UK restaurant menus than US ones, where 'breadsticks' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “grissini” in a Sentence
[serve] + grissini + [with dip][accompany] + [meal] + with grissini[dip] + grissini + [into soup]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the context of restaurant supply or menu planning.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical or cultural studies of food.
Everyday
Used when discussing Italian meals, appetisers, or cooking.
Technical
Used in culinary arts, baking, and food service contexts to specify a particular style of breadstick.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grissini”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grissini”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grissini”
- Using it as a singular noun in English (e.g., 'a grissini' instead of 'a grissino' or 'a breadstick').
- Misspelling as 'grisinni' or 'grissini'.
- Confusing it with 'breadsticks' that are soft and doughy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the Italian plural form. The singular is 'grissino', but in English, 'grissini' is often used as a plural or as a collective noun for the food type.
Grissini are typically drier, crispier, and thinner than many common 'breadsticks', which can be softer, thicker, and more doughy. Grissini are a specific style from the Turin region.
In British English, it's roughly /ɡrɪˈsiːni/ (gri-SEE-nee). In American English, it's /ɡrɪˈsini/ (gri-SEE-nee), with a shorter final vowel.
In general conversation, yes, 'breadsticks' is a perfectly acceptable translation. Use 'grissini' when you want to specify the authentic, crisp Italian variety or are in a culinary context.
Long, thin, crisp sticks of bread, typically baked without much rising agent, originating from Italy.
Grissini is usually semi-formal, chiefly culinary contexts in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GReat Italian Slim Sticks IN Italy' (GRISSINI).
Conceptual Metaphor
THINNESS IS A LINEAR OBJECT (e.g., 'She was as thin as a grissino').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'grissini'?