noun

semolina

sem-uh-LEE-nuh

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Semolina (noun) means Semolina is the coarse, gritty particles left partway through grinding wheat into flour, usually from durum wheat, and used to make pasta, couscous and sweet dishes. Example: “The pasta dough was dusted with semolina to stop it sticking.”

noun

Semolina is the coarse, gritty particles left partway through grinding wheat into flour, usually from durum wheat, and used to make pasta, couscous and sweet dishes.

"The pasta dough was dusted with semolina to stop it sticking."

"Couscous is traditionally made from semolina."

"She stirred semolina into warm milk to make a simple pudding."

How to use semolina

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSemolina is a coarse wheat product used to make pasta, couscous and puddings.

When to use it

It is a standard, everyday culinary term with no informal or formal shading.

Memory tip

Remember semolina is a coarse grain, not a fine flour, which is why it gives pasta and couscous their texture.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

durum wheat semolina semolina pudding dust with semolina

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pasta dough was dusted with _____ to stop it sticking.

Etymology

The word came into English from Italian semolino, a diminutive of semola, which itself derives from Latin simila, meaning the finest wheat flour.

Origin: Italian

Rhymes for semolina

Ina mina gina Tina Dina nina fina Lina Zina Rina China Elina

See all rhymes for semolina →

Frequently asked questions

What is semolina made from?

It is coarse grains produced partway through milling wheat flour, usually from durum wheat.

What is semolina used for?

It is used to make pasta, couscous and various sweet dishes, including semolina pudding.

Where does the word semolina come from?

It comes from Italian semolino, itself from semola, tracing back to the Latin simila, meaning the finest wheat flour.

What is the meaning of semolina?

"semolina" (noun) means semolina is the coarse, gritty particles left partway through grinding wheat into flour, usually from durum wheat, and used to make pasta, couscous and sweet dishes.