pastry

noun

pas·​try ˈpā-strē 

plural pastries

1

a

: a dough that is used to make pies and other baked goods and typically has a high fat content : paste sense 1a

b

: usually sweet baked goods made of dough having a high fat content

a plate of tempting pastry

see also danish pastry, french pastry

2

: a piece of pastry

I had a pastry and a cup of tea.

Examples of pastry in a Sentence

He worked on the filling while I prepared the pastry.

She had a pastry and coffee for breakfast.

Recent Examples on the Web

The pastry’s stature in the city was further boosted this year with the arrival of Juici Patties, a beloved Jamaican chain that opened outposts in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026

The offering is vast, with cheeses, meats, various yogurts, hot dishes, and—of course—Portuguese pastries on offer. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Jan. 2026

Chief’s is now also open during the day on weekends for a wide array of coffee beverages and pastries to get your day started. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

The chocolate bars are filled with pistachio and often tahini, mixed with kadayif, a phyllo-like pastry. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

paste entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pastry

• choux pastry
• Danish pastry
• French pastry
• pastry cream
• puff pastry

Kids Definition

pastry

noun

past·​ry

ˈpā-strē

plural pastries

1

: sweet baked goods (as cakes or tarts) made of dough or having a crust made of enriched dough

2

: a piece of pastry