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

The discovery held special significance for Pasta Garofalo, the company said, given its centuries-old ties to Gragnano and its pasta-making tradition. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

This fan-favorite casserole is loaded with Italian meatballs, pasta, and cheese. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026

In other words, cut the contentious cliff-hangers and replace them with pasta and palazzos — and stories people can connect with. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

The restaurant, which paid special attention to pasta dishes and seafood, also opened at a time when Italian restaurants were popping up everywhere in the Wynwood neighborhood. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 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