feta

noun

fe·​ta ˈfe-tə 

ˈfe-ˌtä

often capitalized

: a white moderately hard and crumbly Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk and cured in brine

Examples of feta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite its veggie-heavy nature, this dish doesn’t skimp on protein, either: Both the feta cheese and Greek yogurt contribute a fair bit, along with the milk and hemp seeds that help serve as the base. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 22 May 2025

The salad is simple and effortless: Toss sliced romaine hearts, fresh dill, crumbled feta and sliced scallions with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper, no separate dressing required. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025

Arrange the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, feta cheese, onions, and olives on top of the lettuce. —Randy Graham, Oc Register, 20 May 2025

The chicken is finished with crumbles of a salty cheese like feta, cotija or ricotta salata. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Modern Greek (tyri) pheta, from tyri cheese + pheta slice, from Italian fetta — more at fettuccine

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

feta

noun

fe·​ta ˈfet-ə 

ˈfe-ˌtä

: a white Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk and cured in salt water

Etymology

from modern Greek pheta "slice (of cheese)"