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

Once the soup has simmered for a few minutes, add the broccoli rabe and the pasta, stirring to wilt the rabe. —Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2026

Chef-owner Missy Robbins is one of New York’s finest pasta chefs. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

The original Mississippi Roast has spawned several equally satisfying variations, from a slow-cooker pasta dish to party-ready cocktail sausages. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

All the pasta is made in house daily. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 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