What does julienned mean?
Julienned describes food that has been cut into very thin, narrow strips resembling matchsticks. The term is used chiefly for vegetables, but it can apply to other firm foods that can be sliced in this way. “Julienned carrots,” “julienned bell pepper,” and similar expressions are especially common in recipes and restaurant descriptions. As a verb, julienne means to prepare food in this manner, although the adjective is more frequent in everyday culinary writing. The word comes from French and is chiefly associated with careful, professional food preparation. Though “chopped” may be suitable in some contexts, julienned specifically indicates relatively uniform, slender strips rather than irregular pieces, cubes, or coarse slices. Recognising the term is useful when following recipes, interpreting restaurant descriptions, and understanding the intended texture and presentation of a dish.
Cut into thin, matchstick-shaped strips.
"The recipe calls for julienned zucchini and bell pepper."
Most often placed after the name of the food, as in “julienned carrots.”
To cut food into thin, matchstick-shaped strips.
"He julienned the potatoes before frying them."
Usually used in recipes and descriptions of food preparation.
A common French culinary term conceals an unexpected link to the personal name Julienne.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does julienned come from?
English borrowed the culinary term from French julienne, a feminine form of the personal name Julien, which comes from Jules, itself a French form of the Latin name Julius. English then formed the participial adjective julienned by adding the suffix -ed. Its ultimate connection with Latin Julius accounts for related forms such as July, Julian, Juliet, and Julius.
Related word forms
How julienned is actually used
In cookery, this word is normally used attributively after the food being prepared, as in “julienned onions.” It can also function as the past participle of the verb “julienne.”
Easily confused with julienned
“Julienne” names the cut or the thin strips, while “julienned” describes food that has been cut into that shape.