pasta

noun

pas·​ta ˈpä-stə 

also

ˈpa- 

1

: paste in processed form (such as macaroni) or in the form of fresh dough (such as ravioli)

2

: a dish of cooked pasta

Examples of pasta in a Sentence

They ordered pasta with meat sauce.

Breads and pastas are high in carbohydrates.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cottage cheese, once relegated to diet plates and grandma’s fridge, is now landing on top of pasta, inside pancake batter and blended into dessert. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

The wine flows early and frequently; the atmosphere is laid-back and convivial; there’s more likely than not some sort of pasta in your future. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

At an early age, Bottura’s culinary vision was greatly influenced by his grandmother Ancella, whose pasta-making remains a recurring touchstone in his storytelling and cooking. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

Cook, tossing and adding more pasta cooking liquid a little at a time as needed, until sauce lightly coats pasta, about 2 minutes. — Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Late Latin

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pasta

• angel-hair pasta
• pasta cooker

Rhymes for pasta

• jocasta

Kids Definition

pasta

noun

pas·​ta ˈpäs-tə 

1

: a dough of flour, eggs, and water made in different shapes and dried (as spaghetti or macaroni) or used fresh (as ravioli)

2

: a dish of cooked pasta