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

So salty, perfectly spicy and the pasta tasted incredibly fresh. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026

The inspector found expired creamy garlic sauce and build-up on the pasta cooking basket. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2026

Two types of lasagna, meatballs, baked pasta, fresh noodles and sourdough focaccia. —Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026

Experience Authentic Italian At Ambrogia Caffe and Enoteca Settle into Ambrogia Caffe & Enoteca for homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and beautiful desserts. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 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