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

The tool has slotted holes that can be used to mash potatoes, separate eggs, strain vegetables or pasta, and more. —Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025

Member's Mark Italian Basil Pesto Pesto is a delicious addition to nearly any meal—from pasta dishes to egg bakes—but there isn't always time to make it. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025

This contemporary restaurant also serves fantastic small plates, fresh seafood, and housemade pasta. —Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025

The group also operates San Lorenzo Italian restaurant in Miami, which serves two main dishes (seafood pasta or meat pasta) and 3190 in Coconut Grove, often called Si Papa, which only serves lasagna. —Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025

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