tortellini

noun

tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯr-tə-ˈlē-nē 

plural tortellini also tortellinis

: pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)

Examples of tortellini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

New bowls for chilly season include osso bucco ravioli, tortellini in brodo, and cheesy baked polenta with mushroom ragu. —Anna Spiegel, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Add the greens: As soon as the tortellini are ready, add the greens to the pot, and stir. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Americans love pumpkin pie; Italians favor pumpkin tortellini and pumpkin gnocchi seasoned with sage butter and Parmesan. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024

This incredible fall and winter pasta dish and fan favorite, pumpkin tortellini with chestnut, delicata squash, sage and almond, returns to the menu for the changing season. —Kaila Yu, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, plural of tortellino, diminutive of tortello "rectangular or disk-shaped filled pasta, fritter," diminutive of torta "cake, tart," going back to Late Latin tōrta "round loaf of bread" — more at tart entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tortellini

noun

tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯrt-ə-ˈlē-nē 

plural tortellini also tortellinis

: pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)