gruyere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “gruyere” mean?
A firm, pale yellow cheese from Switzerland, typically with small holes, made from cow's milk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A firm, pale yellow cheese from Switzerland, typically with small holes, made from cow's milk.
A type of Swiss cheese that is often used in cooking, especially in fondues and gratins, known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes quality, Swiss origin, and culinary use. In the US, it may be more strongly associated with 'Swiss cheese' imagery (holes).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to greater proximity to and culinary influence from Europe. Common in both varieties in cooking contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gruyere” in a Sentence
[verb] + gruyere (e.g., grate, melt, add, serve)gruyere + [noun] (e.g., gruyere cheese, gruyere sauce)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gruyere” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The recipe calls for a gruyere topping.
- She prepared a classic gruyere fondue.
American English
- He made a Gruyere grilled cheese sandwich.
- The soup had a rich, gruyere flavor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of food import/export, restaurant supply, and gourmet retail.
Academic
Used in food science, gastronomy, and cultural studies discussing European protected food names.
Everyday
Used in cooking, shopping for ingredients, and restaurant menus.
Technical
Used in dairy science, cheesemaking, and culinary arts specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gruyere”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gruyere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gruyere”
- Misspelling as 'gruyère' (without accent is standard in English), 'gruyer', or 'grewyere'.
- Mispronouncing with a hard 'g' as in 'gun'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'three gruyeres'); it is usually uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Swiss cheese' is a generic term in American English for cheeses with holes (like Emmental). Gruyère is a specific type of Swiss cheese with a protected name, known for its firm texture and nutty flavour.
In British English, it's commonly /ˈɡruː.jeər/ (GROO-yair). In American English, it's often /ɡruˈjɛr/ (groo-YAIR) or /ˈɡri.ər/ (GREE-er).
Yes, its firm texture makes it excellent for grating. Aged Gruyère grates particularly well and is often used over gratins and pasta dishes.
The accent (è) is used in the original French spelling. In English, the accent is often omitted, though its use is not incorrect and can indicate a focus on authenticity.
A firm, pale yellow cheese from Switzerland, typically with small holes, made from cow's milk.
Gruyere is usually formal, culinary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GREW near' the Swiss Alps; the cheese that GREW in popularity and is from NEAR Switzerland.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRUYERE IS A BUILDING BLOCK (for flavour in cooking).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of traditional Gruyère cheese?