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

Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

The café carries Dominican-roasted coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, and its proceeds help pay down school lunch debt at nearby schools. —Margaret Littman, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

There, they are boiled with sugar and then made into a red bean paste to use in other recipes for pastries or other desserts. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Krispy Kreme’s O’riginal Glazed Doughnut — a vibrant green version of its signature pastry — debuted in 2016 and has returned every year (usually only for a few days) to mark the festive holiday. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 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