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

Ben tells him what’s on the menu — non-Italian dishes like crispy duck spring rolls and wahoo (fish) — but the guests want pasta; specifically, anchovy-lemon pasta. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026

Or join locals for walleye, pastas, or Greek dishes at Phil's Tara Hideaway Bar and Restaurant, located off of State-36. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 28 Apr. 2026

So, 50% of all our pasta sales in London are spaghetti lobster. —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

Find authentic handmade pasta at Al Pomodoro in Anjuna. —Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

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