What does "tiramisu" mean?
An Italian semifreddo dessert, originally from Veneto, made from ladyfinger biscuits, cocoa, mascarpone cheese, Marsala wine, eggs (or sometimes cream), sugar and espresso coffee.
Tiramisu
/ˌtɪɹəˈmisu/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An Italian semifreddo dessert, originally from Veneto, made from ladyfinger biscuits, cocoa, mascarpone cheese, Marsala wine, eggs (or sometimes cream), sugar and espresso coffee.
- Grammar: tiramisu is listed as noun.
- Usage evidence: My grandma's favourite pudding is tiramisu.
How to use "tiramisu"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tiramisu" 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 "tiramisu" 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 "tiramisu" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "tiramisu" 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 "tiramisu" is acting as 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
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "tiramisu", 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 semifreddo dessert, originally from Veneto, made from ladyfinger biscuits, cocoa, mascarpone cheese, Marsala wine, eggs (or sometimes cream), sugar and espresso coffee. countable, uncountable
"Numerous variations of tiramisu exist. Some chefs use other cakes such as panettone. Although the original recipe – certified by the Italian Academy of Cuisine in 2010 – was alcohol-free, variants include alcohol such as rum or marsala."
- 2 an Italian dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake soaked with coffee and brandy or liqueur layered with mascarpone cheese and topped with grated chocolate wordnet
Example
"My grandma's favourite pudding is tiramisu."
Common questions
How do you use "tiramisu" in a sentence?
My grandma's favourite pudding is tiramisu.
How do you pronounce "tiramisu"?
Pronounced /ˌtɪɹəˈmisu/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian tiramisù (literally “pick-me-up”).