# Swiss

/ˈswɪs/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. from Switzerland

adjective · CEFR A2

coming from or related to Switzerland.

For teachers: relating to Switzerland or its inhabitants.

- The Swiss mountains are famous for their beautiful hiking trails.
- The Swiss government maintains a long-standing policy of neutrality in international conflicts.

Usage: Always capitalized as it is a proper adjective.

### 2. a person

noun · CEFR A2

a person from Switzerland.

For teachers: a native or inhabitant of Switzerland, or a person of Swiss descent.

- He is a Swiss who moved to London to study art.
- The Swiss are known for their multilingualism, often speaking German, French, and Italian.

Usage: The plural can be 'the Swiss' (collective) or 'Swiss people'.

### 3. cheese

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a type of pale yellow cheese with many holes.

For teachers: a firm, pale yellow cheese characterized by large holes, originally made in Switzerland.

- I would like a ham and Swiss sandwich for lunch, please.
- The chef recommended a slice of aged Swiss to complement the tartness of the green apples.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in American English to refer to the specific style of cheese.

## Examples

- The Swiss are famous for making high-quality watches.
- During the international conference, the Swiss remained neutral on the proposed trade agreement.
- While the Swiss are often associated with financial services, their contributions to precision engineering and humanitarian diplomacy are equally significant on the global stage.

---

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.