tourtiere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low. Primarily used in Canadian English and specifically within contexts discussing French-Canadian or Quebecois cuisine and culture. Uncommon in general international English.Formal/Culinary/Cultural. Used in cooking contexts, cultural discussions, and historical descriptions. Not typically used in casual conversation outside relevant communities.
Quick answer
What does “tourtiere” mean?
A traditional French-Canadian meat pie, typically served during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional French-Canadian meat pie, typically served during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
A savory pie with a spiced meat filling (often pork, veal, or game), sometimes including potatoes. The term can also refer to the specific deep-dish pie plate traditionally used to bake it. In some regions of Quebec, it may refer to a specific type of casserole.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally uncommon in both mainstream British and American English. It is a loanword used almost exclusively in the context of Canadian culture. An American or British speaker might simply call it a 'French-Canadian meat pie' for clarity.
Connotations
In Canada, it connotes tradition, family, and cultural heritage. In the UK/US, if recognized at all, it connotes ethnic cuisine or exoticism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both UK and US corpora. Its usage is almost entirely confined to texts about Canada or world cuisines.
Grammar
How to Use “tourtiere” in a Sentence
[prepare/make/bake] a tourtière[eat/serve/have] tourtière [for dinner/at Christmas]The tourtière [was/came] from [Quebec/grandmother's recipe]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tourtiere” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not used attributively as an adjective. Use 'tourtière-style' or 'tourtière pie'.
- The tourtière recipe was passed down.
American English
- N/A - Not used attributively as an adjective. Use 'tourtière-style' or 'tourtière pie'.
- We're having a tourtière night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in the food industry, restaurant menus, or culinary tourism marketing.
Academic
Appears in cultural studies, culinary history, anthropology, and Canadian studies papers.
Everyday
Used within French-Canadian families and communities, especially around holidays. Otherwise, explanatory phrases are used.
Technical
Used in culinary arts to describe a specific dish with defined historical and regional characteristics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tourtiere”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tourtiere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tourtiere”
- Misspelling: 'tourtierre', 'tourtiere' (missing accent).
- Mispronunciation: /ˈtɔːr.ti.ər/ (TOR-tee-er) - incorrect stress and vowel sounds.
- Confusing it with a sweet pie or a British meat pie.
- Using it as a general term for any meat pie.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically served warm or at room temperature, often reheated after baking.
Yes, it freezes very well either before or after baking, making it a practical dish for holiday preparation.
Tourtière is a specific, often deeper, spiced meat pie for holidays. *Pâté à la viande* is a more general term for meat pie or patty, often smaller and for any occasion.
While strongly associated with Christmas and New Year's (*réveillon*), it can be enjoyed year-round, especially in restaurants or for special family gatherings.
A traditional French-Canadian meat pie, typically served during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
Tourtiere is usually formal/culinary/cultural. used in cooking contexts, cultural discussions, and historical descriptions. not typically used in casual conversation outside relevant communities. in register.
Tourtiere: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʊə.tiˈɛə/ (toor-tee-AIR), and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʊr.tiˈɛr/ (toor-tee-AIR) or /ˌtɔːr.tiˈɛr/ (tor-tee-AIR). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As Canadian as tourtière and maple syrup”
- “The tourtière is in the oven (meaning: the main event/tradition is underway).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'TOUR' of flavors in a pie dish (tière sounds like 'tier'). You take a 'tour' of Quebec's culinary history with each bite.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOURTIÈRE IS HERITAGE / TOURTIÈRE IS FAMILY (The dish physically contains and represents tradition and lineage).
Practice
Quiz
What is a tourtière most accurately described as?