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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Leave that linguine behind Some heat-and-eat pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s may be contaminated with listeria bacteria, according to federal health officials.—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 The linguine used as an ingredient in the meal kit, which tested positive for listeria monocytogenes, was the same linguine used in FreshRealm’s Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo meals that caused three deaths and 16 hospitalizations.—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 Highlights on the menu include linguine with clams, lobster rolls and mussels served in a variety of sauces — white wine, creamy, Provençal or with Camembert dressing, as well as ice cream, churros or pancakes for dessert.—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for linguine
Word History
Etymology
Italian, plural of linguina, diminutive of lingua tongue, from Latin
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