pasta

noun

pas·​ta ˈpä-stə 

also

ˈpa- 

1

: paste in processed form (such as macaroni) or in the form of fresh dough (such as ravioli)

2

: a dish of cooked pasta

Examples of pasta in a Sentence

They ordered pasta with meat sauce.

Breads and pastas are high in carbohydrates.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shayan Rajabi will be serving the company’s menu of New York, Sicilian, Grandma and Detroit-style pizzas, both whole and by the slice, along with pasta, wings, salads, craft beer, wines and soft drinks. —Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025

Dirty slicers, unsafe pasta, and pizza dough swarming with flies were among the 28 reasons why Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Coral Gables was shut down for a day by a state inspector. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025

Finally, finishing with starches and sugars, like bread, pasta, or fruit, reduces the likelihood of sharp spikes in blood sugar levels, according to Hernandez. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

Fresh & Ready Foods, based in San Fernando, voluntarily recalled several of its premade sandwiches and protein snacks, including several varieties of ham and turkey sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, tuna pasta, and a street corn dipper snack. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Late Latin

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pasta

• angel-hair pasta
• pasta cooker

Rhymes for pasta

• jocasta

Kids Definition

pasta

noun

pas·​ta ˈpäs-tə 

1

: a dough of flour, eggs, and water made in different shapes and dried (as spaghetti or macaroni) or used fresh (as ravioli)

2

: a dish of cooked pasta