mascarpone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral, predominantly found in culinary, gourmet, and everyday food contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mascarpone” mean?
A soft, mild, creamy Italian cheese made from cream and citric or acetic acid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, mild, creamy Italian cheese made from cream and citric or acetic acid.
Used primarily as a culinary ingredient in desserts (like tiramisu), sauces, and fillings, valued for its rich texture and neutral flavour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage is identical, tied to the globalised culinary lexicon.
Connotations
Connotes gourmet, Italian, and dessert cooking in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to stronger historical ties to Italian cuisine, but widely understood and used in both.
Grammar
How to Use “mascarpone” in a Sentence
[use + mascarpone + to-inf.][fold + mascarpone + into + NP][beat + mascarpone + with + NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mascarpone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- mascarpone-based dessert
- mascarpone-laden spoon
American English
- mascarpone frosting
- mascarpone-filled cannoli
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food import/export or restaurant supply contexts.
Academic
Rare, may appear in food science or culinary history papers.
Everyday
Common in recipes, cooking discussions, and supermarket shopping.
Technical
Used in professional cookery and food technology specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mascarpone”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mascarpone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mascarpone”
- Using 'mascarpone' as a countable noun (*'two mascarpones').
- Confusing it with 'mozzarella' or 'ricotta'.
- Mispronouncing the final 'e' as silent (it's /eɪ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While similar in texture, mascarpone is made from cream and has a higher fat content, richer flavour, and is more neutral tasting than the tangier cream cheese.
Yes, it can be made by heating cream and adding an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to thicken it, then straining.
Keep it refrigerated and use it by the 'use-by' date. Once opened, consume within a few days as it spoils easily.
Full-fat coconut cream, blended with a little lemon juice, can work in some vegan recipes, though the flavour profile will differ.
A soft, mild, creamy Italian cheese made from cream and citric or acetic acid.
Mascarpone is usually formal to neutral, predominantly found in culinary, gourmet, and everyday food contexts. in register.
Mascarpone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmæskɑːˈpəʊneɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːskɑːrˈpoʊneɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MASCARPONE: Think of a luxurious MASk for your CARrot cake? No, it's a PONE (like 'pone' as in 'a rich treat') made from cream. 'Mas-car-pony' – a fancy pony carrying cream cheese!
Conceptual Metaphor
MASCARPONE IS LUXURIOUS CREAM (The source domain of 'luxury/richness' maps onto the cheese's properties).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary culinary use of mascarpone?