pesto

noun

pes·​to ˈpe-(ˌ)stō 

: a sauce made especially of fresh basil, garlic, oil, pine nuts, and grated cheese

Examples of pesto in a Sentence

Top the bread with pesto.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ligurian sailors settled here in the 1700s and brought a bit of the Italian Riviera to this little island by painting the town’s buildings pastel colors and introducing their recipe for pesto, which often appears on menus in the restaurants. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2024

At the event, there was a crepe station that featured multiple sweet and savory options, with selections like strawberries, nutella, chicken pesto, philly cheesesteak and ham and cheese. —Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 9 June 2024

They can also be added to smoothies, pesto, or baked goods. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 9 June 2024

Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, Parmesan, lemon juice (if using), and pepper flakes (if using) and toss to coat evenly, adding more pesto if needed to loosen the pasta. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from pesto, adjective, pounded, from pestare to pound, from Late Latin pistare, frequentative of Latin pinsere

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pesto

noun

pes·​to ˈpes-tō 

: a sauce made especially of fresh basil, garlic, oil, pine nuts, and grated cheese