Parmigiano
/ˌpɑːr.miˈdʒɑː.noʊ/noun
A hard, granular Italian cheese, especially Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Did you know?Parmigiano is an Italian demonym from Parma, and the famous cheese’s name became so prized that “Parmigiano-Reggiano” was legally protected to defend its ancient regional identity.
Etymological Timeline
Latin era
Latin
Parma
“The Roman name of the city Parma in northern Italy.”
Late Latin / Medieval Italian
Italo-Romance
parmensis / parmigiano
“Something or someone from Parma.”
13th-14th Century
Italian
parmigiano
“A person or product associated with Parma, especially the celebrated hard cheese.”
16th Century
French
parmesan
“A French form referring to the cheese from Parma.”
Modern English
English
Parmigiano / Parmesan
“The hard, aged Italian cheese made in the style of Parma's famous original.”