A guide to saying it correctly

How to Pronounce Brioche

A rich, buttery, slightly sweet bread, often served for breakfast or as a pastry.

brioche

bree-OHSH

/bʁiˈɔʃ/  ·  bree · OHSH

Tap to hear:

Native US English  ·  Kokoro neural TTS  ·  0:01

It's also a common term in baking discussions and cookbooks.

Where the word comes from

The word 'brioche' comes from Old French, likely from a verb meaning 'to knead' or 'to stir'. It's related to the French word for 'brushed', referring to the egg wash often applied before baking.

Common ways people get it wrong

  • BREE-och The final 'e' is not pronounced like 'och' or 'etch'. It's a soft 'sh' sound, similar to the end of 'troche' or 'brochure'.
  • BRY-osh The first syllable is a long 'ee' sound, like in 'breeze', not a long 'i' sound as in 'bryophyte'.

Frequently asked

Is brioche a bread or a pastry?

Brioche is technically a bread, but its rich, buttery dough gives it a texture and flavor often associated with pastries. It's a delightful in-between.

What's the difference between brioche and challah?

Both are enriched breads, but brioche uses butter and sometimes milk, while challah traditionally uses oil and water, and is often braided.

How do you eat brioche?

Brioche is versatile. Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter and jam, or use it for sweet and savory dishes like French toast, bread pudding, or gourmet burgers.

How is the word "brioche" pronounced?

Brioche is pronounced bree-OH-sh. The emphasis is on the second syllable.

How do French people say brioche?

In French, brioche is pronounced roughly as 'bree-YOHS'. The final 's' is silent.

What is brioche in English?

In English, brioche refers to a type of rich bread made with eggs and butter. The pronunciation is generally bree-OH-sh.

What is the pronunciation of brioche in American English?

In American English, brioche is typically pronounced bree-OH-sh, with the stress on the second syllable.

What is the pronunciation of brioche in British English?

In British English, brioche is usually pronounced bree-OHSH, with a similar stress pattern to American English.