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

Dry the pot and return the tortellini and onion to it. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025

Think of watching that alfresco, beside a sacred edifice, while trying to digest your tortellini in brodo. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

Whole wheat tortellini is the star, but a supporting cast of veggies like green beans, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers are flavorful additions. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025

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

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)