What does "bolognese" mean?
An Italian sauce made from ground meat and tomato, originating in Bologna.
Bolognese
/ˌboʊləˈniz/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An Italian sauce made from ground meat and tomato, originating in Bologna.
- Grammar: bolognese is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: art, bolograph, group, movement.
- Usage evidence: Matthew's recipe for spaghetti bolognese is always a hit with his dinner guests.
How to use "bolognese"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "bolognese" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "bolognese" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "bolognese" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "bolognese" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "bolognese" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "art" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "bolognese", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An Italian sauce made from ground meat and tomato, originating in Bologna. countable, uncountable
- 2 A native or inhabitant of the city of Bologna, capital and largest city of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, or the surrounding metropolitan city. collective, countable
"The victorious enemie marched towards Bolognia: And it is likely that the Pope and his aſſociates would haue done their beſt to haue diuerted him from that deſigne, fot it is certaine that Philip who had ſent for him from Tuſcanie, did openly fauour the Bologneſes."
- 3 A dish served with bolognese. countable, uncountable
"Handmade pasta bolognese."
- 4 A dog of a small breed of the bichon type, originating in Italy.
"Although their appearance might suggest that they are playful and rather happygolucky dogs, Bologneses are among the most serious and intelligent of breeds."
Adjective
- 1 Of, from or relating to the city of Bologna, capital and largest city of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, or the surrounding metropolitan city. not-comparable
- 2 Of a pasta sauce, made from minced veal, pork and beef, onions, garlic, tomato, bay leaf, carrot and celery and wine. not-comparable
- 3 Of a pasta sauce, made from minced meat, tomato and any combination of other ingredients. broadly, not-comparable
Example
"Matthew's recipe for spaghetti bolognese is always a hit with his dinner guests."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "bolognese"?
Common synonyms include: art, bolograph, group, movement, school.
How do you use "bolognese" in a sentence?
Matthew's recipe for spaghetti bolognese is always a hit with his dinner guests.
How do you pronounce "bolognese"?
Pronounced /ˌboʊləˈniz/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Italian bolognese (literally “from Bologna”).
Etymology 2
From Italian bolognese.