al dente

adjective

al den·​te äl-ˈden-(ˌ)tā How to pronounce al dente (audio)
al-
: cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture
al dente pasta
al dente adverb
pasta cooked al dente

Examples of al dente in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Add pasta; cook until 1 minute short of al dente, about 5 minutes. Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025 Add 1 teaspoon salt and orzo; cook until al dente according to package directions. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 1 Jan. 2025 For best results, Barilla suggests cooking the pasta al dente. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025 Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions for al dente. Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for al dente 

Word History

Etymology

Italian; literally, to the tooth

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of al dente was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near al dente

Cite this Entry

“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.

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