pastry

noun

pas·​try ˈpā-strē 

plural pastries

1

a

: a dough that is used to make pies and other baked goods and typically has a high fat content : paste sense 1a

b

: usually sweet baked goods made of dough having a high fat content

a plate of tempting pastry

see danish pastry, french pastry

2

: a piece of pastry

I had a pastry and a cup of tea.

Examples of pastry in a Sentence

He worked on the filling while I prepared the pastry.

She had a pastry and coffee for breakfast.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the time of his disappearance, Richard worked in his family’s pastry business and lived in an apartment above the shop. —Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025

Chela and Alicia Vega, two sisters in their 60s who retired from the school district and have known the bakery owners for years, were among the customers filling trays with pastries. —Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025

While the pastry browns and becomes flaky at one rate, the beef cooks through at another. —Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

Sunga, a baker and community organizer for pastry events, began Cake Picnic in 2024. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

paste entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pastry

• choux pastry
• Danish pastry
• French pastry
• pastry cream
• puff pastry

Kids Definition

pastry

noun

past·​ry

ˈpā-strē

plural pastries

1

: sweet baked goods (as cakes or tarts) made of dough or having a crust made of enriched dough

2

: a piece of pastry