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 an instant table setting, the 16-piece Dinnerware Set covers all the bases with four each of dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and breakfast bowls. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026

The indulgent affair includes a custom pasta bar, raw seafood towers, and plenty of pastries. — Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026

The menu included personalized cuts of steak tartare, lobster pasta and crispy sea bass. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Brown butter can transform the flavor of doughs, sauces, pastas, and more. — Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 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