crème

noun

ˈkrem 

also

ˈkrēm 

or

ˈkrām 

variants or creme

plural crèmes or cremes ˈkrem(z) 

ˈkrēmz

1

: a sweet liqueur

2

: cream or a preparation made with or resembling cream used in cooking

3

: cream sense 2b

Examples of crème in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rinds form on the cheeses like the bloomy rinds of the camemberts and triple cremes versus washed rinds in saltwater brine, alcohol or mold combinations. — Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026

One hits right at the knee while the other falls mid-thigh, and both are available in toasty shades of creme ivory, caramel, navy, and more. — Vivien Lee, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

The traditional vanilla creme filling turns a bright orange, tinted with annatto rather than artificial dye, and the crunchy cocoa cookies are carved to look like little jack-o’-lanterns. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 8 Oct. 2026

As for us, we are engaged in the usual rituals of brewing cups of stimulation — our choice today is orange creme — and foraging for items of interest. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "cream, cream-like prepared food, liqueur," going back to Old French craime, cresme — more at cream entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crème

• crème anglaise
• crème brûlée
• crème caramel
• crème de cacao
• crème de cassis
• crème de la crème
• crème de menthe
• crème fraîche
• crème fraiche
• pot de crème
• the crème de la crème

Medical Definition

crème

noun

ˈkrem, ˈkrēm

plural crèmes

ˈkrem(z), ˈkrēmz

: cream sense 2