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

Cook the pasta shells for 1 minute less than the package instructions, about 9 minutes, then drain and spray with cooking spray, and place in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

The menu is similar to the London restaurant, with popular entrees like spaghetti and lobster or the mezze maniche (short, tubular pasta) all carbonara with seasonal truffle. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026

Raisins are also super easy to sprinkle on yogurt, cereal, and salads, and can find their way into baked goods and even savory dinner dishes like pasta. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Add this $5 cutting board to your kitchen, as well as this six-piece set of large pasta bowls (also great for salads and soups). —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 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