crème fraîche

noun

ˈkrem-ˈfresh How to pronounce crème fraîche (audio)
 also  ˈkrēm-,
 or  ˈkrām-
variants or crème fraiche
: heavy cream thickened and slightly soured with buttermilk and often served on fruit

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, fresh cream

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crème fraîche was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crème fraîche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cr%C3%A8me%20fra%C3%AEche. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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