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

Following the exhibition, guests dined at Trattoria Cammillo, a family-run restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine with courses of homemade pasta and classic regional dishes. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

The pasta, all of which are handmade, regionally inspired, and according to Seydoux, the dish that is likely to convert the uninitiated. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Excursions like boat cruises and pasta-making classes can run $65-$175 each. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 May 2026

For a big-city experience (think flashy bar and upscale pastas and pizzas), try Vulcania, a restaurant by the Voltaggio brothers. —Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 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