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

This food-safe lookalike can plate up salads and pasta dishes or serve as a decorative piece or fruit bowl. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026

This keeps these flavorful pieces from burning while the pasta cooks and contributes another layer of flavor to the sauce. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

These salads, dips, pasta and gazpacho recipes will transport you to the Mediterranean, no passport needed. — Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 25 July 2026

For entrees, expect pastas like Athenian lobster and pastitsio, often referred to as Greek lasagna. — Connie Ogle july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 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