penne

noun

pen·​ne ˈpe(n)-(ˌ)nā How to pronounce penne (audio)
plural penne
: short thick diagonally cut tubular pasta

Examples of penne in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Long strands like spaghetti or linguine may not bulk up quite as much after cooking, while short shapes like penne or rigatoni can swell up in size, taking up more plate space. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026 Here's a hearty vegetarian penne recipe with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta from Sicily. Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 21 Apr. 2026 For restaurant-goers with food sensitivities, a gluten-free penne is available upon request. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 The micro workouts included moves like rotini spiral planks, spaghetti curls and penne plié squats, along with star jacks, which were inspired by the new Protein+ star shape. Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penne

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of penna, literally, quill, feather, pen, from Latin pinna feather & penna wing — more at pen

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penne was in 1919

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penne. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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