ricotta

noun

ri·​cot·​ta ri-ˈkä-tə 

-ˈkȯ-

: a white unripened whey cheese of Italy that resembles cottage cheese

also : a similar cheese made in the U.S. from whole or skim milk

Examples of ricotta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, dishes like pork belly banh mi, short rib sandwiches, Vietnamese-style chicken wings and lemon ricotta beignets became menu staples, while the restaurant’s patio became a regular spot for families. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 13 May 2026

This dish uses three cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—along with a flavorful, homemade tomato sauce with ground sausage and pancetta. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 May 2026

Add on focaccia with ricotta and honey ($10) or tiramisu ($25). —Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

The menu includes petite bites of chicken cannoli with ricotta, Japanese tamago sando, pastrami Reuben salad, and more. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from feminine of past participle of ricuocere to cook again, from Latin recoquere, from re- + coquere to cook — more at cook

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ricotta

• biota
• iota
• lakota
• nonquota
• chota
• cota
• quota

Kids Definition

ricotta

noun

ri·​cot·​ta ri-ˈkät-ə 

: a soft, white Italian cheese