Julienne
noun /dʒuːˈli.ɛn/ — Vegetables cut into thin matchstick strips.
Definition
A culinary knife cut producing thin, uniform matchstick strips — typically 2–3mm wide and 5–6cm long. Julienned vegetables cook quickly and evenly, and present elegantly. The technique requires a sharp knife and consistent hand pressure.
Beyond the definition
To julienne is to make the same thing dozens of times until they are identical — a kind of meditative discipline, the cook's way of centering.
Origin & history
French: possibly named after a French chef or from the given name 'Julienne'. The cut appeared in French culinary texts from the 18th century.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She julienned the carrots while the broth reduced — thin orange sticks, each the same length, falling into the pot together.
The spring rolls required a perfect julienne — thick pieces would give uneven texture.
He had never julienned anything before; the first carrot took ten minutes. The fifth took two.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Julienne” when the meaning fits your context: A culinary knife cut producing thin, uniform matchstick strips — typically 2–3mm wide and 5–6cm long. Julienned vegetables cook quickly and evenly, and present elegantly. The technique requires a sharp knife and consistent hand pressure.
Synonyms
matchstick cut, fine cut, thin strip
Antonyms
rough chop, large dice
Related words
Julienne vs brunoise
Julienne results in long, thin matchsticks. Brunoise takes those strips and cuts them into tiny, uniform cubes.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Chef Working With Precise Movements
A chef at a stainless steel station uses a sharp knife to carefully julienne vegetables, ensuring uniform strips and consistent technique.
Julienne is a cutting technique that produces uniform, matchstick-like strips. Expert control and consistent hand pressure are essential to this method, which ensures even cooking and refined elegance in the final presentation.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Julienne" mean?
Julienne is noun meaning: Vegetables cut into thin matchstick strips.. A culinary knife cut producing thin, uniform matchstick strips — typically 2–3mm wide and 5–6cm long. Julienned vegetables cook quickly and evenly, and present elegantly. The technique requires a sharp knife and consistent hand pressure.
Where does the word "Julienne" come from?
French: possibly named after a French chef or from the given name 'Julienne'. The cut appeared in French culinary texts from the 18th century.