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.
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 Generously salt the water and add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (the pasta should be fully cooked and soft, not al dente). Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025 The macaroni was al dente; the creamy cheese melted in my mouth. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 6 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 1 Feb. 2025.

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