The modern language closest to Latin is Italian, and the Italian word linguine means literally "little tongues". Linguine is only one of the types of pasta whose names describes their shapes. Others include spaghetti ("little strings"), fettuccine ("little ribbons"), penne ("little quills"), orzo ("barley"), farfalle ("butterflies"), vermicelli ("little worms"), capellini ("little hairs"), fusilli ("little spindles"), and radiatori ("little radiators"). If you're thinking about learning Italian, you could make a good start by just visiting an Italian restaurant.
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This elegant establishment has an expansive menu with shrimp and clam linguine, cioppino, and steaks seared to perfection.—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025 The restaurant’s summer food specials go all-in on seafood, including a buttery, tomato-forward crab bisque ($14) and a Neapolitan linguine alla vongole ($32) featuring a generous serving of clams over pasta.—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Using all things fresh—fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh herb pesto, and fresh mozzarella cheese—this dish features tender linguine and no-fuss shredded chicken.—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025 Think of it as the Cantonese version of linguine and clam sauce.—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for linguine
Word History
Etymology
Italian, plural of linguina, diminutive of lingua tongue, from Latin
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