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

Cover pasta salad and chill at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 July 2026

In the 2000s, the family opened more locations, taking inspiration from pizzerias where customers could watch pizzaiolos shape dough and had staff start rolling pasta in the dining room. — Natalie B. Compton The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026

Bake until pasta is al dente and sausage is cooked through, 25 minutes more. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

Manila clams are woven into Italian cuisine, tossed in pasta or served steamed. — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 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