panini

noun

pa·​ni·​ni pə-ˈnē-nē 

variants or less commonly panino

pə-ˈnē-nō 

plural panini or paninis

: a usually grilled sandwich made with Italian bread

Note: Panini is a plural form in Italian but is commonly used as both a singular and a plural in English. Its use as a singular has given rise the variant plural form paninis. The use of panino as a singular form in English has become relatively uncommon as panini has become established as the usual singular.

On each visit, someone at our table invariably orders a panini …

—Jodi Wright

At the back of the shop are paninis, freshly brewed coffee and two tubs of homemade soups.

—M. H. Reed

Examples of panini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lunch menu seems like an afterthought, but the most popular items are the cheesesteak panini or a Buffalo chicken wrap. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2025

But its new Los Feliz neighbor, focused on Calabrian specialties, is more versatile, offering hearty paninis and pastas along with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options — plus a nonalcoholic cocktail list. —Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024

Cook in a panini press for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sandwiches are golden-brown and perfectly crisp. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2025

All of the bagels are 100% hand-rolled, and Brother’s also serves up hot breakfasts and lunch options like paninis and cold sandwiches. —Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, diminutive of pane bread, from Latin panis — more at food

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for panini

• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• agouti
• allottee
• amphorae
• amputee
• apc
• apogee
• appointee
• assessee