limoncello
/li.monˈt͡ʃɛl.lo/masculine
The English phrase 'limoncello' is translated into Italian as limoncello. If unsure, use limoncello. Wiktionary also lists limoncino.
Meaning: liqueur (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| limoncello | /li.monˈt͡ʃɛl.lo/ | masculine |
| limoncino | /li.monˈt͡ʃi.no/ | masculine |
Limoncello refers to a lemon-flavored liqueur. It is traditionally served as a digestivo, a drink consumed after a meal to aid digestion.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Limoncino is used in the northern part of Italy, including Lombardy and Piedmont.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both limoncello and limoncino are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /li.monˈtʃɛl.lo/.
Did you know?
- While limoncello is a noun, the verb limonare is a slang term in Italian that means 'to make out' or kiss passionately.
- The word limoncello uses the diminutive suffix -cello, which literally means 'little lemon', suggesting a sweetness or delicacy rather than just size.
- While limoncello is a global icon, it is most deeply rooted in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, where the specific Sfusato Amalfitano lemon is grown for its high essential oil content.
Examples in context
- Mi piace bere un bicchiere di limoncello dopo cena.I enjoy drinking a glass of limoncello after dinner.
- Vuoi provare un po' di limoncello fatto in casa?Would you like to try some homemade limoncello?
- Il limoncello è molto dolce.The limoncello is very sweet.
- Vuoi un bicchierino di limoncello?Do you want a small glass of limoncello?
- Questo limoncello è fatto in casa.This limoncello is homemade.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are having dessert at a restaurant.
- MartinaFrancesco, prendiamo un limoncello dopo il dolce?Francesco, shall we have a limoncello after dessert?
- FrancescoSì, ottima idea.Yes, great idea.
- MartinaTi piace il limoncello freddo?Do you like limoncello cold?
- FrancescoSì, lo preferisco molto freddo.Yes, I prefer it very cold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “limoncello” translations and entries limoncello, limoncino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries limoncello, limoncino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
