al dente

adjective

al den·​te äl-ˈden-(ˌ)tā How to pronounce al dente (audio)
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
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.
Cook until al dente, then drain and rinse the pasta under lukewarm water. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025 Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025 Native tepary beans are cooked perfectly al dente with carrots and nopales and garnished with red chile sauce and salsa verde. Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025 Cook soba noodles in the same water, until al dente. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for al dente

Word History

Etymology

Italian; literally, to the tooth

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of al dente was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

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