pastry

noun

pas·​try ˈpā-strē 

plural pastries

1

a

: a dough that is used to make pies and other baked goods and typically has a high fat content : paste sense 1a

b

: usually sweet baked goods made of dough having a high fat content

a plate of tempting pastry

see also danish pastry, french pastry

2

: a piece of pastry

I had a pastry and a cup of tea.

Examples of pastry in a Sentence

He worked on the filling while I prepared the pastry.

She had a pastry and coffee for breakfast.

Recent Examples on the Web

For breakfast, Surf Lanai is famous for its Pink Palace Pancakes, while the Royal Hawaiian Bakery turns out coffee, pastries, and beloved banana bread. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026

Dine at Peasants Feast, do a tasting at Kings Carey Wines, and try the Danish pastry aebleskivers before hitting the road. —Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026

Clean the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystallization. —Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 23 May 2026

The finish is medium-length, with lingering notes of seasoned oak, pastry sweetness, and a faint spice. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

paste entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pastry

• choux pastry
• Danish pastry
• French pastry
• pastry cream
• puff pastry

Kids Definition

pastry

noun

past·​ry

ˈpā-strē

plural pastries

1

: sweet baked goods (as cakes or tarts) made of dough or having a crust made of enriched dough

2

: a piece of pastry