# Gloucester

/ˈɡɫɔstɝ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gloucester
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the city

noun · CEFR B2

a historic city in the west of England, famous for its cathedral and its location on the River Severn.

For teachers: a cathedral city and district in Gloucestershire, England, situated near the Cotswolds and the Welsh border.

- We spent the weekend exploring the historic docks and the cathedral in Gloucester.
- The city of Gloucester served as a vital Roman settlement and later became a significant centre for the wool trade in the Middle Ages.

### 2. the cheese

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a traditional British cheese made in Gloucestershire, often sold as 'Single' or 'Double' Gloucester.

For teachers: a traditional, semi-hard cheese made from the milk of Gloucester cattle, typically categorised into Single and Double varieties.

- I bought a wedge of Double Gloucester to serve with the crackers.
- Double Gloucester is aged for longer than the Single variety, resulting in a firmer texture and a more complex, savoury flavour profile.

### 3. the pig breed

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · British English

a short name for a specific breed of pig with black spots, known as the Gloucester Old Spot.

For teachers: an abbreviation for the Gloucester Old Spots, a historic British breed of domestic pig known for its white coat with black spots.

- The farm specialises in rare breeds, including the Gloucester.
- The Gloucester is prized by traditional butchers for its high-quality marbled meat and hardy nature in outdoor rearing systems.

## Examples

- We bought some Gloucester cheese for the picnic.
- The chef used mature Gloucester to add a sharp, salty depth to the pasta sauce.
- While Cheddar dominates the global market, traditional Gloucester retains a loyal following among connoisseurs who appreciate its distinctively crumbly texture and earthy notes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.