orecchiette

noun

orec·​chi·​et·​te ō-ˌrā-kē-ˈe-tā 

: small oval pasta

Examples of orecchiette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the historic center, Bari Vecchia, fishermen sell the morning’s catch at the harbor while nonnas sit outside shaping fresh orecchiette by hand—daily rituals that capture the city’s charm and character. —Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026

After 4 minutes add the orecchiette and the asparagus, give it another stir. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026

Eggplant parm comes lightly breaded, with thin planks of eggplant softened into a tender slab, and the orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage tastes particularly vibrant thanks to a superb balancing act from white wine and garlic. —Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Feb. 2026

The Restaurant Week menus run from 10 AM to 4 PM for brunch with dishes like burrata with apple and radicchio, orecchiette with broccoli and sausage, and pistachio panna cotta. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of orecchietta, diminutive of orecchia ear, from Latin auricula — more at auricle

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for orecchiette

• alphabet
• arpanet
• bassinet
• bayonet
• biuret
• cigarette
• clarinet
• coronet
• coverlet
• dataset
• epithet
• ethernet