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

But Sterling also likes to return to her roots and whip up a simple 15-minute pasta dinner that reminds her of one of her beloved matriarchs. —Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 12 May 2026

Zoe, the Italian restaurant on the boat, is one of the most popular, with a menu built around handmade pastas, seafood, and lighter Mediterranean dishes. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026

Yes, we are gathered here to praise the pasta. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Aviator’s Restaurant is a longtime local favorite known for its diner-style menu, including eggs and French toast for breakfast and burgers, pasta and patty melts for lunch. —Sacbee.com, 11 May 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