pasta

noun

pas·​ta ˈpä-stə 

also

ˈpa- 

1

: paste in processed form (such as macaroni) or in the form of fresh dough (such as ravioli)

2

: a dish of cooked pasta

Examples of pasta in a Sentence

They ordered pasta with meat sauce.

Breads and pastas are high in carbohydrates.

Recent Examples on the Web

Let the baking dish and pasta stand at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

The Mizuna menu features a brie tartlet, chawanmushi, pasta with truffle cream and then your choice of steak frites, Chilean salmon, or ratatouille. —Libby Smith, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

It’s now run by Bobby’s son Michael and his wife, Rose, who serve classic Milwaukee-style pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites in the original tavern space and expanded dining room, which was added in 1970. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Aside from pizza, Livermore’s Slice House also serves pasta, wings and salads, as well as wine and craft beer. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Late Latin

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pasta

• angel-hair pasta
• pasta cooker

Rhymes for pasta

• jocasta

Kids Definition

pasta

noun

pas·​ta ˈpäs-tə 

1

: a dough of flour, eggs, and water made in different shapes and dried (as spaghetti or macaroni) or used fresh (as ravioli)

2

: a dish of cooked pasta