gnocchi

American  

[nyoh-kee, no-, noh-, nyawk-kee] / ˈnjoʊ ki, ˈnɒ-, ˈnoʊ-, ˈnyɔk ki /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a dish of little dumplings made from potatoes, semolina, flour, or a combination of these ingredients.

---

gnocchi British  

/ ˈɡnɒkɪ, ɡəˈnɒkɪ, ˈnɒkɪ /

plural noun

1. dumplings made of pieces of semolina pasta, or sometimes potato, used to garnish soup or served alone with sauce

---

Etymology

Origin of gnocchi

1890–95; < Italian, plural of gnocco, originally Upper Italian (Veneto), perhaps cognate with Tuscan nocca, nocco knuckle < Langobardic *knohha joint; knuckle

Example Sentences

Fold in the gnocchi and meatballs so every bite gets slicked in the sauce.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

The menus change but they always have it or regular gnocchi.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

I tend to always get their spinach gnocchi bolognese, as part of the arrangement on the table.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

"Why is ricotta gnocchi so underwhelming and fussy?"

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2025

After green garlic gnocchi with red mustard leaves, the waiter said, “Dessert next. More stars first?”

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Related Words

• linguine
• macaroni
• ravioli
• spaghetti
• tortellini