tortellini

noun

tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯr-tə-ˈlē-nē How to pronounce tortellini (audio)
plural tortellini also tortellinis
: pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)

Examples of tortellini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bring to a boil, add tortellini and reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, until tortellini are cooked. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024 When the tortellini float to the top and look puffy and pillowy, they’re fully cooked. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 New bowls for chilly season include osso bucco ravioli, tortellini in brodo, and cheesy baked polenta with mushroom ragu. —Anna Spiegel, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Add the greens: As soon as the tortellini are ready, add the greens to the pot, and stir. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tortellini 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, plural of tortellino, diminutive of tortello "rectangular or disk-shaped filled pasta, fritter," diminutive of torta "cake, tart," going back to Late Latin tōrta "round loaf of bread" — more at tart entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tortellini was circa 1911

Dictionary Entries Near tortellini

torteau

tortellini

torticollis

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Tortellini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tortellini. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

tortellini

noun
tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯrt-ə-ˈlē-nē How to pronounce tortellini (audio)
plural tortellini also tortellinis
: pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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