French word

crème

Pronunciation

IPA/kʁɛm/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncream

Example

Tu veux de la crème sur ton gâteau ?

Would you like some cream on your cake?

Illustration for crème (cream)

More examples

Elle applique une crème de nuit avant de dormir.

She applies night cream before going to sleep.

Core concept

A thick, pale, fatty layer lifted from milk and used as a smooth ingredient or topping.

Common phrases

  • une crème chantilly

    whipped cream

  • une crème de nuit

    night cream

  • mettre de la crème

    apply cream

Similar words

crème fraîche: A thick, tangy cultured cream used in cold dishes and sauces.
crème liquide: A pourable cream used for cooking, heating, or whipping.

Definition in French

Substance laiteuse, épaisse et grasse obtenue en séparant la matière grasse du lait et utilisée surtout en cuisine et en pâtisserie.

Word origin

French crème comes through Old French from medieval Latin crema, a word for the fatty layer on milk.

Usage tips

  • Crème is feminine, so the ingredient is usually introduced as de la crème, while une crème can mean a prepared dessert or product.

Related words

  • crémeuxcreamyadjective
  • crèmeriedairy shopnoun

Word lists with this word