cavatappi

noun

ca·​va·​tap·​pi ˌkä-və-ˈtä-pē How to pronounce cavatappi (audio)
: pasta in the form of a spiral tube

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, literally, "corkscrew," from cava "(it) draws out, extracts" (3rd person singular of cavare "to extract") + tappi, plural of tappo "cork, stopper," borrowed from Germanic *tapp-

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cavatappi was in 1984

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near cavatappi

Cite this Entry

“Cavatappi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavatappi. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!