penne

noun

pen·​ne ˈpe(n)-(ˌ)nā 

plural penne

: short thick diagonally cut tubular pasta

Examples of penne in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And in Berlin, various lunch options seem to include a plastic-looking quiche with holes or a penne pasta made from rubber. — David MacK, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Mezze rigatoni, which are a bit shorter, would work just as well, as would other short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne rigate. — Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026

Standard-length rigatoni, penne, ziti, or even farfalle also work. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

There are short extruded varieties like radiatori and penne, a long spaghetti, and a new ditalini-like shape called cubetti that’s great in soups or tossed with parm and butter. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of penna, literally, quill, feather, pen, from Latin pinna feather & penna wing — more at pen

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for penne

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray