tortellini

noun

tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯr-tə-ˈlē-nē 

plural tortellini also tortellinis

: pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)

Examples of tortellini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The misbranding was discovered after a consumer filed a complaint about receiving ravioli in packaging labeled as tortellini. —News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025

In addition to the Philly cheesesteak, the lunch menu will include: Chicken Caesar salad, beef and broccoli, tortellini, a taco crisp and a gluten-free chicken enchilada empanada. —Lauren Brensel, Sun Sentinel, 30 July 2025

Favorite dishes here include the beef tips and tortellini. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Add the tortellini and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender throughout, about 1 minute more than the package instructions for al dente. 2: Line a plate with paper towels and set it near your stovetop. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, plural of tortellino, diminutive of tortello "rectangular or disk-shaped filled pasta, fritter," diminutive of torta "cake, tart," going back to Late Latin tōrta "round loaf of bread" — more at tart entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tortellini

• antonine
• aubergine
• celestine
• cytosine
• emetine
• infantine
• johannine
• kerosine
• kundalini
• nepheline
• phenelzine
• proserpine

Kids Definition

tortellini

noun

tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯrt-ə-ˈlē-nē 

plural tortellini also tortellinis

: pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)