pasta

American  

[pah-stuh, pas-tuh] / ˈpɑ stə, ˈpæs tə /

noun

1. any of various flour-and-egg food preparations of Italian origin, made of thin, unleavened dough and produced in a variety of forms, usually served with a sauce and sometimes stuffed.

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pasta British  

/ ˈpæstə /

noun

1. any of several variously shaped edible preparations made from a flour and water dough, such as spaghetti

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Etymology

Origin of pasta

1870–75; < Italian < Late Latin. See paste

Example Sentences

For Australian consumers, the deal will mean cheaper European wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Despite overall challenges, the company is upbeat about its “leadership brands” like Rao’s pasta sauce, which was acquired in 2024.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

On the menu is uni pasta, hanger steak au poivre and a dry-aged burger with fries, which restaurant critic Bill Addison says doesn’t require any twists because “it’s simply a fantastic burger.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Some seasons it’s arugula, great wilted into pasta, tossed over eggs or layered into a sandwich.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

The lasagna is extra tough tonight, being that Mom boiled the pasta in Dad’s red sauce in an attempt to use as little water as possible.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• gnocchi
• linguine
• macaroni
• ravioli
• spaghetti
• tortellini