linguine

noun

lin·​gui·​ne liŋ-ˈgwē-nē How to pronounce linguine (audio)
variants or linguini
: narrow flat pasta

Did you know?

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.

Examples of linguine 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.
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

First Known Use

circa 1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of linguine was circa 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Linguine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linguine. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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