al dente
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of al dente
1945–50; Italian: literally, to the tooth
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Add the asparagus and let everything turn glossy for a few minutes, then toss with sweet snap peas, chives and al dente pasta.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026
Their handmade al dente noodles are perfect — they overnight them from Italy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2025
Be sure to salt your water heavily — “like the ocean,” as chef Anne Burrell always says — and to cook al dente, even a minute or two shy of the box directions.
From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2025
As for the corn, I like to throw the kernels directly into the boiling water, letting them soften as the pasta becomes pleasingly al dente.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 25, 2023
They resembled noodles that had been cooked al dente.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
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