labneh

noun

lab·​neh ˈlab-ˌnā  ˈleb- 

also

ˈläb- 

variants or less commonly labne

: yogurt that has been salted and strained until thick and that is typically eaten as a dip or spread often with toppings (such as olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, or mint)

Smear a good spoonful of labneh across a nice piece of warm bread.

—Hasan Semay

… labneh is noticeably thicker than Greek yogurt, as well as richer in flavor, so it's not a direct substitute—especially when used as a spread or dip, or in baking.

—Stephanie Ganz

I live for the classic combination of tangy labne; a seasonal fruit preserve, such as apricot; and a sprinkle of za'atar and sea salt!

—Lena Sarieni, quoted in Bon Appétit

White Moustache makes several yogurts and labneh (yogurt cheese), some unflavored and some with savory spices and herbs …

—Jeffrey Steingarten

… labne, a thick strained yogurt that is a Lebanese staple.

—Neil MacFarquhar

Examples of labneh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Enjoy with labneh, creme fraiche or sour cream and apple sauce. — Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Dec. 2025

Add labneh and pulse until blended. — Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026

The milk needs to be ready for when the dairywomen arrive to make yogurt and labneh. — Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026

Season one-fourth cup of labneh with garlic salt and a hint of chili powder while the sprouts are baking. — Lauren O'Connor, Health, 25 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Levantine Arabic labna, labana

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above