linguine

noun

lin·​gui·​ne liŋ-ˈgwē-nē 

variants or linguini

: narrow flat pasta

Did you know?

The modern language closest to Latin is Italian, and the Italian word linguine means literally "little tongues". Linguine is only one of the types of pasta whose names describes their shapes. Others include spaghetti ("little strings"), fettuccine ("little ribbons"), penne ("little quills"), orzo ("barley"), farfalle ("butterflies"), vermicelli ("little worms"), capellini ("little hairs"), fusilli ("little spindles"), and radiatori ("little radiators"). If you're thinking about learning Italian, you could make a good start by just visiting an Italian restaurant.

Examples of linguine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Picture red tuna fish caught that morning cooked in a subtle mix of local spices and topped over fresh linguine or meatier cuts of fish served like steak with fresh vegetables plucked from nearby farms. —Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

This dish will do the trick with crispy chicken and fresh zucchini tossed in a tender linguine with a robust lemon flavor. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2024

Compared to bowties or pinwheels, shells or elbows, and linguine or fettuccine, after all, ravioli has a little more substance thanks to its cheese-y filling. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024

The linguine with tenerumi (a local vegetable), candied tomatoes, lemon, and Sciacca prawn tartare is a standout. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of linguina, diminutive of lingua tongue, from Latin

First Known Use

circa 1948, in the meaning defined above