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

Both your protein and a major source of flavor, be sure to pick one that has plenty of spices and can give your pasta a little kick. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

The second course comes with a choice between turkey, Alaskan halibut, New York strip steak and a pork-pumpkin pasta dish, while the dessert course is a choice of pumpkin mascarpone tart or a caramel apple cake. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025

The punitive pasta premium has become a cause célèbre for Italy’s politicians, executives and economists. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2025

The thin air makes even eating exhausting, meals are simple — often pasta with tuna or potatoes — and staying hydrated is essential. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

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