Is charcuterie just another word for cheese board?

Not exactly. A charcuterie board usually includes cured meats, while a cheese board focuses on cheese.

Is charcuterie singular or plural?

It is usually an uncountable noun in English. People say "a charcuterie board" for one serving.

Is charcuterie formal or informal?

It is neutral, but it sounds stylish and restaurant-like. People use it in menus, events, and casual speech.

Can I use charcuterie for a board without meat?

People do, but strictly speaking it is less accurate. If there is no meat, "cheese board" may be better.

← Dictionary

charcuterie

/ˌʃɑː.kuː.təˈriː/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Cured meats such as ham, salami, and sausage, often served on a board with cheese, bread, and pickles. In modern English, it can also mean the whole arranged snack or appetizer platter.

We ordered a charcuterie board for the table.
The charcuterie had salami, cheese, and olives.
She made a small charcuterie platter for guests.

Adinary Nuance

Charcuterie is more specific than "meat" and more elegant than "snacks". It usually suggests cured meats served in a nice, arranged way, often with cheese and crackers. In casual speech, people often say "charcuterie board" when they mean the whole platter.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thịt nguội
Spanish: embutidos
Chinese: 冷切肉
Japanese: シャルキュトリー
Korean: 샤퀴트리

Etymology

From French charcuterie, meaning 'pork butchery' or 'cooked pork products'. It entered English through French food culture and now often refers to a stylish serving platter.

Common phrases

charcuterie boardcharcuterie plattercharcuterie spreadartisanal charcuterie

Synonyms

cured meats cold cuts meat platter

Frequently asked questions

Is charcuterie just another word for cheese board?: Not exactly. A charcuterie board usually includes cured meats, while a cheese board focuses on cheese.
Is charcuterie singular or plural?: It is usually an uncountable noun in English. People say "a charcuterie board" for one serving.
Is charcuterie formal or informal?: It is neutral, but it sounds stylish and restaurant-like. People use it in menus, events, and casual speech.
Can I use charcuterie for a board without meat?: People do, but strictly speaking it is less accurate. If there is no meat, "cheese board" may be better.