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Definition of emmental

emmental

/ˈɛmənˌtɑːl/
em · men · tal

Plural:emmentals
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emmental Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A firm, pale yellow cheese originally from Switzerland, characterized by large internal holes and a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Example

"For the fondue, she grated a generous mixture of Gruyère and Emmental to ensure a smooth, rich melt."

Word Nuance & Usage

In North America, Emmental is often referred to generically as 'Swiss cheese', though strictly speaking, Emmental is a specific traditional cheese with a legally protected designation in Switzerland.

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from German 'Emmental', named after the Emmental valley in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, which takes its name from the river Emme and 'Tal' (meaning valley).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Emmental. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/emmental
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