A guide to saying it correctly

How to Pronounce Limoncello

A sweet, lemony Italian liqueur, pronounced with a clear 'ch' sound like in 'cello'.

limoncello

lee-mun-CHELL-oh

/ˌliː.mənˈtʃɛl.loʊ/  ·  lee · mun · CHELL · oh

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Native US English  ·  Kokoro neural TTS  ·  0:01

It's also a popular topic in food and drink blogs and discussions about cocktails.

Where the word comes from

The word 'limoncello' comes from the Italian word 'limone', meaning 'lemon'. It's a diminutive form, suggesting a small or special lemon-based liqueur.

Common ways people get it wrong

  • lee-mon-SELL-oh The 'c' in limoncello is pronounced like a 'ch' in English, not an 's'. Remember the Italian origin for the sound.
  • lim-on-CHEL-lo The first syllable 'li' is pronounced like 'lee', not 'lim'. Ensure the vowel sound is long and clear.

Frequently asked

What does limoncello taste like?

Limoncello is a sweet and tart liqueur with a strong lemon flavor. It's made from the zest of lemons, so it's very bright and citrusy.

Is limoncello a wine or a spirit?

Limoncello is a spirit, specifically a liqueur. It's made by steeping lemon zest in alcohol and then mixing it with a sugar syrup.