al dente

adjective

al den·​te äl-ˈden-(ˌ)tā 

al-

: cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture

al dente pasta

al dente adverb

pasta cooked al dente

Examples of al dente in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The present clings to the past, like fava bean pesto should adhere to al dente paccheri. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 9 July 2026

While the farfalle cooks to al dente, sauté onions, mushrooms, spinach, and thyme. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the couscous is al dente, about 10 minutes. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 June 2026

Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian; literally, to the tooth

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for al dente

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event