pesto

noun

pes·​to ˈpe-(ˌ)stō 

: a sauce made especially of fresh basil, garlic, oil, pine nuts, and grated cheese

Examples of pesto in a Sentence

Top the bread with pesto.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our first round of the showcase had a definite dumpling theme, which included the dumpling trio from China pavilion and two orders from Gyozas of the Galaxy, including basil pesto chicken (creamy) and street corn-style (sorta spicy). — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

The Field Dream is made with corn pudding, a Thai basil pesto, and shrimp dust. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Lunch offers a variety of croissant sandwiches with choices like a BLT, club, tuna salad, chicken pesto and caprese. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026

Slayton points to pesto and frittatas as her favorite unconventional ways to use arugula, while Klinger loves it on pizza with Parmesan cheese. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from pesto, adjective, pounded, from pestare to pound, from Late Latin pistare, frequentative of Latin pinsere

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pesto

noun

pes·​to ˈpes-tō 

: a sauce made especially of fresh basil, garlic, oil, pine nuts, and grated cheese