emmental

IPA/ˈeməntɑːl/
IPA/ˈeməntɑːl/

emmental — noun

1. A firm, pale-yellow cheese that originated in Switzerland, known for its mild, s

1.nounB1
Definition

A firm, pale-yellow cheese that originated in Switzerland, known for its mild, slightly nutty taste and the large rounded holes that develop naturally as the cheese ages.

Example

The chef grated fresh emmental over the bubbling potato gratin before serving it.

collocation: grated emmental

A thick slice of emmental melted slowly between two warm pieces of rye bread.

Common collocations
  • grated emmental
  • melted emmental
  • a wedge of emmental
  • thinly sliced emmental
  • aged emmental
  • mild emmental
Synonyms
  • Swiss cheese

    Generic term; in North America 'Swiss cheese' usually refers to Emmental-style cheese with holes

Grammar Patterns

emmental + verb (singular)

a/an + adjective + emmental (countable)

Usage Note

Can be used as both uncountable (for the food in general: 'emmental is easy to slice') and countable (for a variety or individual piece: 'a fine aged emmental from the Alps'). The variant spelling 'Emmentaler' is sometimes used but less common in English.

Common Mistakes

I need gruyère for the fondue, the one with big holes.
I need emmental for the fondue, the one with big holes.
Gruyère is a different Swiss cheese that is denser and has few or no holes.
Can I have some emmentaler on my sandwich?
Can I have some emmental on my sandwich?
'Emmentaler' is the German spelling; the standard English form is 'emmental'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Emmental, Gruyère, and Jarlsberg are all pale-yellow cheeses often compared, but they differ in origin and texture. Emmental is the original hard Swiss cheese with large rounded holes, a mild and slightly nutty flavour. Gruyère is also Swiss but has a denser, firmer texture with few or no holes and a saltier, more savoury taste, making it the classic choice for French onion soup. Jarlsberg resembles Emmental in appearance with its holes, but it originates in Norway and has a noticeably sweeter, milder taste. The generic term 'Swiss cheese' in North America usually refers to an Emmental-style cheese, though it is typically less complex and has smaller holes. For melting in fondue, Emmental and Gruyère are often blended together, while Jarlsberg is most commonly eaten cold in sandwiches.

Swiss cheeseGruyèreJarlsbergSwiss-style cheese

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • finely (grated)
  • thinly (sliced)
  • freshly (grated)

Phrases

  • Swiss emmental
  • aged emmental
  • mild emmental
  • emmental cheese

Prepositions

  • of (a wedge of emmental)
  • with (bread with emmental)

Etymology

GermanEnglish

The name comes from German, taken from the Emmental region in central Switzerland ('Emme' + 'Tal', meaning 'valley of the river Emme'). This area has been producing the cheese since at least the 13th century. The word entered English in the early 20th century as the cheese became popular internationally.