noun
kefir
kuh-FEER
Kefir (noun) means a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, thinner in consistency than yogurt. Example: “She stirred a spoonful of honey into her glass of kefir.”
noun
1
A fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, thinner in consistency than yogurt.
"She stirred a spoonful of honey into her glass of kefir."
"The recipe calls for kefir instead of buttermilk."
"He keeps a jar of kefir grains on the kitchen counter to make his own batches."
How to use kefir
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKefir is a tangy, drinkable fermented milk product, a bit like a runny yogurt.
When to use it
Kefir is a neutral, everyday word used in cooking and health contexts.
Memory tip
Kefir has more than one accepted pronunciation — kuh-FEER, KEE-fər and KEH-fər are all used.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a glass of kefir
kefir grains
drink kefir
homemade kefir
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She stirred a spoonful of honey into her glass of _____.
Etymology
Kefir was borrowed into English from the Russian word кефир (kefír).
Frequently asked questions
What is kefir made from?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink, traditionally made by fermenting milk with kefir grains.
Is kefir the same as yogurt?
No, kefir is similar to yogurt but has a thinner, more drinkable consistency.
Where does kefir come from?
Kefir originates from the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, and its name comes from Russian.
What is the meaning of kefir?
"kefir" (noun) means a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, thinner in consistency than yogurt.
