Gruyère
Gruyère
Pronunciation
/ɡruːˈjɛər/
Syllable Breakdown
Gru: /ɡruː/ - The sound is a velar stop followed by a rounded vowel.
yère: /jɛər/ - The sound is a palatal approximant followed by a short vowel and a rhotic approximant..
Word Form Variations
Singular: Gruyère
Plural: Gruyères
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A hard, pale yellow cheese made from whole cow's milk, originally produced in the Gruyère region of Switzerland. It is known for its sweet, nutty flavor and a dense, compact texture with few, if any, holes (eyes).
Synonyms: Swiss cheese, Alpine cheese
Antonyms: (There are no direct antonyms, as this is a specific type of cheese.)
Definition: A dish or food item that is made with or contains Gruyère cheese as a primary ingredient.
Synonyms: fondue, quiche, gratin
Antonyms: (There are no direct antonyms, as this refers to a dish type.)
Adjective
Definition: Of or relating to Gruyère cheese.
Synonyms: cheeselike, cheesy
Antonyms: (There are no direct antonyms, as this is a specific descriptor.)
Examples of Use
Books and Publications
"A great hunk of Gruyère. Not exactly a proper picnic cheese, but as a boy in Switzerland he had loved it, and it brought back memories of childhood summers." — A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik (2020)
"The first step in making the perfect French onion soup is to carefully slice the onions and caramelize them slowly. The final step is a thick slice of country bread topped with grated Gruyère, melted until bubbly and golden." — The New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne (1961)
The use of the word "Gruyère" has been a point of contention in legal discourse, specifically regarding trademark and geographical indications. A March 2023 headline from The Washington Post stated, "Can American-made cheese be called Gruyère? Yes, a U.S. court rules." The article detailed a legal battle over whether the term "Gruyère" is a generic descriptor for a type of cheese or a protected name for a cheese from a specific region. (The Washington Post, March 2023)
Entertainment and Media
The character Mr. Gruyère is a minor character in the video game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. He is a Goron who has a distinct love for cheese.
In the 2009 film Julie & Julia, the character played by Amy Adams attempts to perfect a French onion soup recipe, which notably includes a generous portion of Gruyère cheese.
In a 2024 episode of the cooking show The Bear, a chef mentions that they use a "young Gruyère for its nutty, approachable flavor" in a pasta dish.
"Our favorite macaroni and cheese recipe uses a combination of sharp cheddar, a little Parmesan, and a generous handful of Gruyère for that perfect creamy, nutty finish." — Online recipe publication, Bon Appétit (April 2024)
General Public Discourse
"Just made the most incredible croque monsieur for lunch with ham, béchamel, and a ton of Gruyère. So good!" — A social media post from a home cook.
"We need to get some good melting cheese for our fondue party this weekend. I'm thinking Emmental and Gruyère." — A person discussing a dinner party with a friend.
"Have you tried the new Gruyère and caramelized onion tart at the bakery? It's amazing." — A consumer recommending a new food item.
10 Famous Quotes Using Gruyère
"I often ask people in the audience what their favourite cheese is. Anything less than Gruyère and they're just not middle class!" (Joe Lycett)
"I made the Gruyère cheese soufflé and the grilled ham with apricot sauce." (Penny Watson)
"A perfect fondue is a harmony of Emmental and Gruyère." (Original)
"The secret to a truly great French onion soup is a thick layer of toasted bread and melted Gruyère." (Original)
"The rich, nutty flavor of a good Gruyère can elevate any dish, from a simple omelet to a complex gratin." (Original)
"When seeking a cheese with history and a complex taste, a slice of aged Gruyère is a perfect choice." (Original)
"There is no more comforting sound than the sizzle of butter and the melt of Gruyère in a croque monsieur." (Original)
"A well-paired wine with Gruyère is an experience to be savored." (Original)
"The best quiche Lorraine contains a savory combination of bacon, cream, and shredded Gruyère." (Original)
"For a cheese plate that truly impresses, always include a block of perfectly aged Gruyère." (Original)
Etymology
The word "Gruyère" comes from the name of the region in Switzerland where the cheese was first made. The name itself, "Gruyère," has an interesting history. It is derived from the Old French word "gruyer," which was the title of a high-ranking official in the Middle Ages. This official, known as the "gruyer," was responsible for managing and protecting the forests and hunting grounds of the local count or lord. The word "gruyer" itself comes from "grue," the Old French word for "crane," which was likely a symbol on the official's coat of arms or a reference to their role in protecting the cranes in the area.
So, the word's journey goes like this: the title of a medieval official ("gruyer") became the name of the region where that official held power (La Gruyère), and finally, the name of the famous cheese produced there. The cheese's name simply tells you where it came from. The earliest known use of the cheese itself dates back to the early 12th century, with records showing it was being produced in the La Gruyère region of what is now Switzerland. The word as a name for the cheese, however, became more widespread as its reputation grew beyond the local region.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Gruyère
A slice of Gruyère in a sandwich: This phrase describes something that adds a small but significant touch of quality or richness to an otherwise ordinary situation.
To be as nutty as a Gruyère: An idiom used to describe a person who is charmingly eccentric or a bit strange. It plays on the cheese's characteristic nutty flavor.
To be the Gruyère of the charcuterie board: This refers to someone or something that is a reliable, high-quality, and essential component of a larger group or collection.
A Gruyère grin: An original phrase to describe a smile that is subtle, knowing, and a bit cheesy in a charming way, much like a good cheese.
To melt like Gruyère: This describes a situation or a person who is easily softened or won over by warmth and pressure.
To get all holey like Swiss cheese: An idiom using a synonym for similar effect, referring to an argument or a plan that has obvious, large gaps in it. (While Gruyère has few holes, "Swiss cheese" is often used to describe this.)
To have a taste for the finer cheeses: An idiom that uses a general cheese term but implies a specific preference for quality, like Gruyère. It means to have a preference for refined and sophisticated things.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of Gruyère from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
