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

For a break from classic kaiseki (multicourse) fare, the Alla Contadina restaurant is a few minutes’ drive away; here, a Japanese chef, trained in Venice, serves up delectable pasta. — Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026

Meals such as buffalo chicken mac and cheese, cheeseburger bowls, Cajun chicken pasta, pancakes, pizza bowls and even chicken nuggets are ensured to be nutritious and healthy, Schuler said. — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 17 Aug. 2026

Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender, 7 minutes. — Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2026

Festival organizers say attendees can expect hundreds of food, craft and retail vendors, with Italian staples ranging from pasta, meatballs and sausage to cannoli, pizza and Italian desserts. — Usa Today, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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