al dente
adjective
al den·te
äl-ˈden-(ˌ)tā 
al-
: cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture
al dente pasta
al dente
adverb
pasta cooked al dente
Examples of al dente in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, until al dente.
—
Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and broth is mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Cook to al dente according to package directions, about 3 minutes for angel hair.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025
Add the tortellini and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender throughout, about 1 minute more than the package instructions for al dente.
2: Line a plate with paper towels and set it near your stovetop.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for al dente
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and broth is mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Cook to al dente according to package directions, about 3 minutes for angel hair.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025
Add the tortellini and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender throughout, about 1 minute more than the package instructions for al dente.
2: Line a plate with paper towels and set it near your stovetop.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for al dente
Cite this Entry
“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share