spaghetti

[spuh-get-ee]

noun

1. a white, starchy pasta of Italian origin that is made in the form of long strings, boiled, and served with any of a variety of meat, tomato, or other sauces.

2. Electricity.,  an insulating tubing of small diameter into which bare wire can be slipped.

spaghetti

/ spəˈɡɛtɪ /

noun

1. pasta in the form of long strings

Usage

See zucchini.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spaghetti¹

1885–90; < Italian, plural of spaghetto, diminutive of spago thin rope < Late Latin spacus twine, probably < Greek sphákos long-threaded lichen

Word History and Origins

Origin of spaghetti¹

C19: from Italian: little cords, from spago a cord

Example Sentences

Before the game, Hamilton players were treated to a spaghetti and toasted sourdough bread dinner created by the mother of 285-pound tackle Micah Butler, Natasha, an executive chef.

From Los Angeles Times

Generations of Filipinos see the brand as a part of their national identity, with its signature fried chicken, burgers and spaghetti becoming a staple for family gatherings.

From BBC

The recipe also listed four ingredients - spaghetti, black pepper, parmesan and butter and suggested double cream as an option - when there should only be three: spaghetti, black pepper and pecorino cheese.

From BBC

It’s best to stick to simple dishes that are portable, like a baked spaghetti casserole, an artichoke potato salad, or a batch of sweet and salty deviled eggs.

From Salon

Speaking to the BBC, the commissioner referred to an "invisible spaghetti" behind police forces that was responsible for "sucking resources and costs".

From BBC

Related Words

• gnocchi 
• linguine 
• macaroni 
• ravioli 
• tortellini 

When To Use

Spelling tips for spaghetti

The word spaghetti is hard to spell because, based on how it is pronounced, you wouldn't expect that h to be there. The double t can also be easy to miss. How to spell spaghetti: To remember how to properly spell spaghetti, you can think of the phrase "There is a ghost in Betty's spaghetti." This reminds you that there is a g followed by an h in the middle of the word, like in the spelling of ghost. It also reminds you of the ending -ett, similar to the double t you find in the word Betty.