stilton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “stilton” mean?
A type of strong, crumbly English blue cheese, typically white with blue veins, named after the village of Stilton.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of strong, crumbly English blue cheese, typically white with blue veins, named after the village of Stilton.
The term can refer specifically to cheese produced in a legally protected geographical area of England, or more generally to a style of blue cheese.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Stilton' is a legally protected designation of origin (PDO) for cheese from specific counties. In the US, the term is used more generically for similar blue cheeses.
Connotations
In the UK, connotations are of tradition, quality, and regional specificity. In the US, it primarily connotes a strong, expensive imported or artisanal blue cheese.
Frequency
Significantly more common in UK English due to cultural and culinary relevance.
Grammar
How to Use “stilton” in a Sentence
[ADJ] stiltonstilton [from/of ORIGIN]stilton [with ACCOMPANIMENT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stilton” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A classic Stilton cheese is a must for the board.
- He prefers the Stilton-style blue from the local dairy.
American English
- The Stilton cheese was served with pears.
- It's a Stilton-type blue from Oregon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of gourmet food import/export, restaurant supply, and dairy farming.
Academic
Found in food science, culinary history, and economic geography (studies on Protected Designation of Origin).
Everyday
Used in discussions of food, cheese boards, recipes, and dining.
Technical
Used in dairy technology and food regulation specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stilton”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stilton”
- Incorrect capitalization (writing 'stilton' instead of 'Stilton' when referring to the PDO product).
- Confusing it with other blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is also a White Stilton which is a crumbly, mild cheese without blue veins, often sold with fruit added.
The cheese was originally sold and popularised in the village of Stilton, which was a major coaching stop. The name stuck, but modern PDO regulations specify production in neighbouring counties.
It is best served at room temperature. Common pairings include port wine, crackers, pears, walnuts, and celery.
Stilton has a Protected Designation of Origin (like Champagne). Compared to French Roquefort (sheep's milk) or Italian Gorgonzola (softer and creamier), Stilton is made from cow's milk and has a distinctively crumbly yet creamy texture and a robust, slightly earthy flavour.
A type of strong, crumbly English blue cheese, typically white with blue veins, named after the village of Stilton.
Stilton is usually specialized/neutral in register.
Stilton: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪlt(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪltən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STILTON' as 'STILT' + 'ON' a cracker – a tall, strong cheese standing on a biscuit.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not strongly metaphorical]
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of authentic Stilton according to its PDO?