pecorino: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1-C2)Formal / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “pecorino” mean?
A hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk.
Refers specifically to a family of Italian cheeses (e.g., Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano) protected by geographical indications. Can informally denote something characteristic of Italian rustic cuisine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, as it is a borrowed culinary term. Slightly more common in American contexts due to broader Italian-American culinary influence.
Connotations
Conveys authenticity, traditional Italian cooking, and strong flavour. In the US, may be more readily associated with grating over pasta.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English, but common in culinary, gourmet, and restaurant contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pecorino” in a Sentence
[verb] + pecorino (e.g., grate, shave, add, serve)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in import/export, gourmet food retail, and restaurant supply.
Academic
Found in food science, culinary arts, and cultural studies texts.
Everyday
Used in cooking discussions, restaurant menus, and grocery shopping.
Technical
Used in dairy science, EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) regulations, and cheesemaking.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pecorino”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pecorino”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pecorino”
- Using 'pecorino' to refer to any hard cheese (e.g., Parmesan).
- Treating it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a pecorino').
- Mispronouncing with /tʃ/ instead of /k/ (e.g., 'pechorino').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is made from cow's milk, while pecorino is made from sheep's milk. They have different flavours and origins.
In some recipes, yes, but be aware that pecorino is saltier and has a sharper, more tangy flavour, which will alter the dish's profile.
The black coating is often a food-safe rind made of wax, ash, or other materials used during aging to protect the cheese and develop flavour.
It derives from 'pecora', the Italian word for 'sheep', literally meaning 'of or relating to sheep'.
A hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk.
Pecorino is usually formal / culinary in register.
Pecorino: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɛkəˈriːnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɛkəˈrinoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a specific noun with no idiomatic usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A PECuliar (pec-) sheep (ovine) cheese from italy (-ino)'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS CULTURAL HERITAGE (Pecorino embodies Italian pastoral tradition).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary milk source for authentic pecorino?