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

Here, they're served with cheesy tortellini and a creamy butter sauce. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026

Cook the tortellini according to instructions, whisk together the dressing, and toss. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026

Toss it into ravioli, tortellini, rigantoni—I’ve done it all. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026

Add kale and tortellini and simmer for 3-5 minutes. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026

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)