saa·nen I. \ˈsänən, ˈzä-\noun Etymology: from Saanen, locality in southwest Switzerland 1.usually capitalized: a Swiss breed of white or light-colored usually hornless short-haired dairy goats 2.-soften capitalized: an animal of the Saanen breed II. noun alsosaanen cheese (-s) Usage: often capitalized : a cheese similar to Emmenthal cheese that is cooked longer, requires three to nine years to cure, and keeps longer