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

There are lots of great options for pizza and pasta, including Bavaro's and Il Panificio. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Two types of fish and meat, plus rice and pasta, are the main components. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Dress pasta when warm for maximum absorption The number one rule of pasta salad is to dress the pasta when warm. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026

With just four extra ingredients, Caesar salad mix becomes a hearty pasta and pepperoni salad the whole family will love. — Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 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