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, stirring often, until pasta is tender throughout, 2 to 3 minutes past al dente.
—
Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 16 June 2025
Add noodles; cook according to package directions for al dente, 6 to 8 minutes.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
Add pasta, gently stirring to submerge pasta in water; cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions for al dente.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 May 2025
Reduce heat to medium and boil gently, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente (tender but with a little bite), about 10 to 12 minutes.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 19 May 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.
Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 16 June 2025
Add noodles; cook according to package directions for al dente, 6 to 8 minutes.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
Add pasta, gently stirring to submerge pasta in water; cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions for al dente.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 May 2025
Reduce heat to medium and boil gently, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente (tender but with a little bite), about 10 to 12 minutes.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 19 May 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 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share