charlotte

word

/ˈʃɑɹɫət/
SHAR-luht
/ʃˈɑːlət/
SHAH-luht

Definition

A charlotte is a dessert made with fruit, cream, custard, or mousse, often surrounded by bread, sponge cake, or ladyfingers. The word can also be used as a female first name, but it is mainly a food word here.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used in cooking and bakery contexts, so many learners will see it on menus or in recipes rather than in daily conversation. Be careful not to confuse the dessert with the common female name Charlotte; in speech, context usually makes the meaning clear.

Example Sentences

We made a strawberry charlotte for dessert.

basic

The bakery sells apple charlotte on weekends.

basic

I wasn't planning to order dessert, but the lemon charlotte looked too good to pass up.

natural

If the mousse sets properly, the charlotte should hold its shape when we slice it.

natural

This charlotte is cold and very sweet.

basic

Her grandmother's charlotte recipe has been in the family for years.

natural