pancetta

noun

pan·​cet·​ta (ˌ)pan-ˈche-tə How to pronounce pancetta (audio)
: unsmoked bacon used especially in Italian cuisine

Examples of pancetta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Stoke the mix with 2 cups of corn and crispy, salty pancetta (bacon’s thinner, quicker-cooking cousin). Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 Transfer the pancetta to a plate lined with a paper towel. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 2 June 2026 This riff takes some liberties, by using a full cup of cream and either pancetta or bacon. Deputy Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026 Bologna’s tagliatelle al ragù calls for minced beef and pancetta, a base of carrots, celery and onion, plus tomatoes, red wine, milk and broth. Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pancetta

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from diminutive of pancia belly, paunch, from Latin pantic-, pantex

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pancetta was in 1841

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pancetta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pancetta. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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