Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of hard, smooth-textured cheese: "cheddar" is a firm, natural cheese that ranges in flavor from mild to sharp, and in color from white to pale yellow. It is named after the English village where it was originally produced.
   • A village in southwestern England: "Cheddar" is also the name of the village in Somerset, England, where this style of cheese was first made.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Cheese):

  • I bought a block of sharp cheddar for the sandwiches.
  • Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in the world.

• Noun (Place):

  • The cheese originated in the village of Cheddar.
  • Cheddar Gorge is a famous tourist attraction near the village.

Advanced Usage

• "Aged cheddar": Refers to cheddar cheese that has been matured for a long period, resulting in a more complex, sharper flavor and often a crumblier texture.

  • For the cheese board, we selected a five-year aged cheddar.

• As a color descriptor: Informally, "cheddar" can be used to describe a pale orange or yellowish color, similar to the cheese.

  • He painted the wall a warm cheddar color.

Variants and Related Words

• Cheddaring (n/gerund): A specific step in the cheesemaking process for cheddar where the curd is cut, stacked, and turned to expel whey.
  • The cheddaring process gives the cheese its characteristic texture.

Synonyms

• Hard cheese (general category)
• English cheese (broad, contextual)

Related Phrases

• "Big cheddar" (slang): A slang term for a large amount of money.

  • He made some big cheddar on that business deal.

• "Cut the cheddar" (slang, humorous): A euphemism for passing gas.

  • (This is informal and humorous usage.)

Noun

1. hard smooth-textured cheese; originally made in Cheddar in southwestern England
2. a village in southwestern England where cheddar cheese was first made