Gruyère

1 of 2

noun (1)

Gru·​yère grü-ˈyer 

grē-

1

: a firm cheese with small holes and a nutty flavor that is of Swiss origin

2

: a processed cheese made from natural Gruyère

Gruyère cheese

2 of 2

noun (2)

Gru·​yère cheese

(ˈ)grü¦y|e(ə)r-, 

(ˈ)grē¦(y)|, 

|eə-

variants or less commonly Gruyère

plural -s

1

: a pressed whole-milk cheese of a pale yellow color and nutty flavor and usually with small holes

2

: a process cheese made in small forms and wrapped in foil

Examples of Gruyère in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For a milder flavor, use Gruyere in place of pepper Jack. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 21 June 2025

Sprinkle with the Gruyere and bake for another 3 minutes, until the cheese is just melted. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 9 June 2025

Pfeiffer’s Big Mac riff, a tribute to business partner Louis Mele’s career, swaps slices of standard American for gooey raclette and Gruyere. —USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025

Ehrlichman makes his fondue with aged Gruyere, Appenzeller, an Alpine cheese known for its tangy, complex flavor, and vacherin fribourgeois, a nutty Swiss semi-soft cheese made from raw cow’s milk. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025

Focaccia is also delicious topped with shredded cheese like Parmesan or Gruyere. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2025

The Cheddar & Gruyere Melange is for my holiday gougères and biscuits. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 12 Dec. 2024

The sharp cheddar and the Gruyere add a nuttiness and richness that will make for a Thanksgiving hit. —Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Gruyère, district in Switzerland

Noun (2)

from Gruyère district, Fribourg canton, Switzerland, where it was originally made

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Gruyère

noun

Gru·​yère grü-ˈye(ə)r 

grē-ˈ(y)e(ə)r

: a firm cheese of Switzerland that has a nutty flavor

Etymology

Noun

named for Gruyère, district in Switzerland where the cheese was first made