noun

parm

pahm

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Parm (noun) means informal short form of "parmesan," or a dish made in the parmigiana style, breaded and baked with cheese and tomato sauce. Example: “Can you grate some parm over the pasta?”

noun

Informal short form of "parmesan," or a dish made in the parmigiana style, breaded and baked with cheese and tomato sauce.

"This braised eggplant has all those savory parm-y flavors, but in an easy any-night form." — Sohla El-Waylly, Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook (2023)

"Everyone who's had my mother's eggplant parm has said, “This is awesome.”" — Mike Isabella, Mike Isabella's Crazy Good Italian (2012)

"Can you grate some parm over the pasta?"

"They ordered chicken parm for dinner."

"For this update on a chicken parm sandwich, I bread and sauté thin chicken breast cutlets and layer them with fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and leftover spaghetti on garlic-buttered ciabatta." — Kathy Strahs, The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook (2013)

How to use parm

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA quick, informal way to say "parmesan cheese" or refer to a parmigiana-style dish like chicken parm.

When to use it

Very casual — mainly used in spoken and menu language, not formal writing.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: parms

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Can you grate some _____ over the pasta?

Etymology

A casual shortening of "parmesan" or "parmigiana."

Rhymes for parm

arm warm farm harm charm swarm

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Frequently asked questions

What does “parm” mean?

The word “parm” means informal short form of "parmesan," or a dish made in the parmigiana style, breaded and baked with cheese and tomato sauce. In plain terms, a quick, informal way to say "parmesan cheese" or refer to a parmigiana-style dish like chicken parm.

How do you pronounce “parm”?

“Parm” is pronounced pahm (/pɑɹm/ in IPA).

How do you use “parm” in a sentence?

Here is “parm” used in a sentence: “Can you grate some parm over the pasta?”

What part of speech is “parm”?

“Parm” is a noun.