What does yogurt mean?
Yogurt is a semisolid dairy food made by fermenting milk with live bacterial cultures, which convert much of the milk's lactose into lactic acid. The result is mildly tangy and creamy, with a texture that may range from pourable to set. Yogurt is eaten plain or combined with fruit, cereals, sweeteners, and savory ingredients; it is also used as a base for sauces, dips, drinks, and baked goods. The word is especially associated with everyday food and health-conscious eating, though its uses extend well beyond breakfast. In American English, “yogurt” is the usual spelling; “yoghurt” is the traditional British spelling, although both forms are widely understood in both countries. Yogurt can also refer to related products made from it, including frozen desserts and yogurt-based drinks. As a vocabulary word, it names a distinctive food category created through controlled fermentation and valued across many cuisines.
nounA semisolid or pourable dairy product made by fermenting milk with live bacterial cultures, giving it a creamy texture and mildly tart flavor.
- A semisolid or pourable dairy product made by fermenting milk with live bacterial cultures.
- A frozen dessert or drink made with yogurt or a yogurt-based mixture.
"She served fresh fruit with plain yogurt for breakfast."
"I topped the toast with yogurt, sliced strawberries, and a little honey."
"The recipe uses yogurt instead of cream to make the sauce lighter."
The standard plural is yogurts, referring to individual portions, varieties, or containers of yogurt.
"The shop sells several kinds of yogurts, including plain and fruit-flavored varieties."
Yogurt carries its history in its name: the Turkish yoğurt comes from a verb meaning “to knead.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does yogurt come from?
The English word comes from Turkish yoğurt, a dairy product traditionally made by fermenting milk and then setting the thickened mixture. Its name is related to the Turkish verb yoğur-, meaning “to knead,” and it entered English during the early modern period.
How yogurt is actually used
A neutral, everyday food term. In Anglophone usage it is often associated with breakfast and health-conscious eating, but it is also widely used in savory dishes and desserts.
Easily confused with yogurt
Yogurt is the common American spelling, whereas yoghurt is the traditional British spelling of the same word.