vermicelli

noun

ver·​mi·​cel·​li ˌvər-mə-ˈche-lē  -ˈse- 

: pasta made in long solid strings smaller in diameter than spaghetti

Examples of vermicelli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vietnamese vermicelli with chili sauce and pork Pork, rice noodles, and crunchy veggies combine for a satisfying meal. —Katherine Lee, Parents, 18 July 2024

However, the major difference is the thin vermicelli used to make sheer khurma’s creamy texture. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, then add the vermicelli and cook until soft, about 30 seconds. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 25 Jan. 2024

Step 5 In a large bowl of warm water, soak the vermicelli until pliable, about 15 minutes. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 25 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, plural of vermicello, diminutive of verme "worm," going back to Latin vermis — more at worm entry 1

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vermicelli

noun

ver·​mi·​cel·​li ˌvər-mə-ˈchel-ē  -ˈsel- 

: a pasta that is thinner than spaghetti

Etymology

from Italian vermicelli "pasta similar to but thinner than spaghetti," literally, "little worms," from verme "worm," from Latin vermis "worm" — related to vermin see Word History at vermin