# mozzarella

/mˌɒzəɹˈɛlɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. cheese

noun · CEFR A2

a soft, white Italian cheese that melts easily and is very popular on pizza.

For teachers: a mild, white semi-soft Italian cheese made from the milk of water buffaloes or cows, typically used in salads or as a melted topping.

- The chef added fresh mozzarella and basil to the top of the pizza.
- Authentic mozzarella di bufala is prized for its creamy texture and delicate flavour, making it a staple of traditional Neapolitan cuisine.

### 2. money

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · American English

a slang word for money.

For teachers: a slang term for money or cash, similar to 'dough' or 'bread'.

- He's working two jobs because he needs to make some extra mozzarella.
- The characters in the film spent the entire night arguing over how to split the mozzarella they had stolen from the safe.

Usage: Usually uncountable when used in this sense.

## Examples

- I love extra mozzarella on my pizza.
- The chef sliced the fresh mozzarella and layered it with tomatoes and basil for a classic salad.
- Authentic mozzarella di bufala is prized for its delicate, creamy consistency and slightly tangy profile, distinguishing it from the firmer, mass-produced varieties found in most supermarkets.

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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.