ravioli

American  

[rav-ee-oh-lee, rah-vee-, rah-vyaw-lee] / ˌræv iˈoʊ li, ˌrɑ vi-, rɑˈvyɔ li /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. small cases of pasta, often square, stuffed with a filling, usually of meat or cheese, and often served with a tomato sauce.

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ravioli British  

/ ˌrævɪˈəʊlɪ /

noun

1. small squares of pasta containing a savoury mixture of meat, cheese, etc

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Usage

See zucchini.

Etymology

Origin of ravioli

First recorded in 1835–45; from Italian, plural of dialectal raviolo “little turnip,” diminutive of rava, from Latin rāpa; rape ²

Compare meaning

How does ravioli compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• tortellini vs. ravioli

Example Sentences

Even with food aid, she depends on food pantries to help her obtain items such as canned ravioli, Rice-a-Roni and frozen dinners for the last two weeks of the month.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2025

The French-infused menu on a recent visit included individually plated potato ravioli served with a mushroom half glaze and black-truffle shavings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 4, 2025

Indeed, the star of this ravioli is Sicilian lemon, which are “grown in the volcanic soil around Mount Etna,” according to TJ’s, and have a “bright acidity and distinct sweetness.”

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2025

King Charles and Queen Camilla are hosting an Italian-themed dinner this evening, inspired by the actor Stanley Tucci, with dishes including crab, ravioli and pork, along with English and Italian wine.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2025

I made myself swallow, then stabbed another ravioli and tossed it in.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Related Words

• gnocchi
• linguine
• macaroni
• spaghetti
• tortellini