monterey

IPA/ˌmɒn.tər.eɪ ˈdʒæk/
KK[mˌɑntɚˈe]IPA/ˌmɑːn.t̬ɚ.eɪ ˈdʒæk/

monterey — noun

1. a light-coloured cheese from California, made with cow milk and known for a mild

1.nounC1
Definition

a light-coloured cheese from California, made with cow milk and known for a mild taste and smooth texture

Example

Meera melted Monterey over the bean tacos before lunch.

serving: melt Monterey over tacos

The deli sliced Monterey for Luca's turkey sandwich.

serving: sliced Monterey in a sandwich

Common collocations
  • mild Monterey
  • grated Monterey
  • block of Monterey
  • Monterey cheese
Synonyms
  • Monterey Jack

    the fuller and more common name for this California cheese

  • Jack cheese

    a shorter North American label for the same type

Usage Note

Usually treated as an uncountable food name. The fuller form 'Monterey Jack' is more common when speakers want to name the exact variety.

Common Mistakes

Please buy two Monterey for the burgers.
Please buy two blocks of Monterey for the burgers.
Use a measure word when you mean pieces, not the cheese in general.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Monterey and Monterey Jack refer to the same mild California cheese, so the longer name is usually the safer choice when you want to be exact. Cheddar is often firmer and sharper in taste, especially when it has aged. Mozzarella is softer and stretchier, so people usually choose it for pizza or dishes where long melted strands matter. Colby is another mild American cheese, but it is usually a little softer and more open in texture than Monterey Jack. If you want a gentle cheese for sandwiches, tacos, or omelets, Monterey works well. If you want a stronger bite, cheddar is the better choice.

Monterey Jackcheddarmozzarella ↗Colby

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • Monterey cheese
  • Monterey Jack
  • grated Monterey
  • block of Monterey

Prepositions

  • with (Monterey with beans or eggs)
  • on (Monterey on tacos or burgers)

Etymology

SpanishEnglish

The cheese takes its name from Monterey, California. English borrowed the place name from Spanish, and producers later used it to label the local cheese, especially in the fuller name Monterey Jack.