trappist cheese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “trappist cheese” mean?
A semi-soft, pungent cow's milk cheese traditionally made by Trappist monks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A semi-soft, pungent cow's milk cheese traditionally made by Trappist monks.
Any of several cheeses, often with a washed rind and strong aroma, produced by monasteries following the Trappist order, known for their artisanal, traditional methods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and specialist in both varieties. The term is recognized but not common in general vocabulary.
Connotations
Connotes artisanal quality, traditional methods, and a certain monastic heritage. Associated with gastronomy.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both regions, found primarily in contexts of cheese appreciation, gourmet food, or discussions of monastic products.
Grammar
How to Use “trappist cheese” in a Sentence
{subject} produces/ages/imports Trappist cheese.Trappist cheese {verb} from {origin}.I prefer Trappist cheese {to/over} {other cheese}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trappist cheese” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They have begun to Trappist-cheese their milk production, focusing on traditional methods.
American English
- The dairy farm decided to Trappist their cheese line, adopting monastic techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of import/export of gourmet foods or marketing of artisanal products.
Academic
Used in historical or cultural studies of monastic life, food history, or gastronomy.
Everyday
Used when discussing cheese boards, special meals, or culinary experiences.
Technical
Used in dairy science or cheesemaking to describe a category defined by production method (washed rind) and cultural origin.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trappist cheese”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trappist cheese”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trappist cheese”
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'trappist Cheese' or 'trappist cheese' (should capitalise 'Trappist').
- Confusing it with Trappist beer, which is a separate monastic product.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While Belgium is famous for it, Trappist monasteries in other countries like the Netherlands, France, and the United States also produce Trappist cheese.
It means the cheese's surface is regularly washed with a liquid (often brine, beer, or spirits) during aging. This encourages specific bacteria, leading to the characteristic pungent aroma, flavour, and orange-pink rind.
No. Strictly speaking, 'Trappist' refers specifically to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists). Cheese from other monastic orders (e.g., Benedictine) would be 'monastery cheese' but not 'Trappist cheese'.
Typically, yes, due to the washed-rind process. However, the intensity can vary between different monastic producers and aging periods. They are generally known for their robust, complex flavours and pronounced aromas.
A semi-soft, pungent cow's milk cheese traditionally made by Trappist monks.
Trappist cheese is usually formal, culinary in register.
Trappist cheese: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtræp.ɪst ˈtʃiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtræp.ɪst ˈtʃiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Trappist monks in TRAPPed silence making a pungent cheese as a form of peaceful labour.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRAFT IS HOLY WORK (the cheese is a physical manifestation of devotion and disciplined craft).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of authentic Trappist cheese?