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 Cook the tortellini according to instructions, whisk together the dressing, and toss. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2023 Reduce heat and simmer until tortellini are cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Kathleen Purvis, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 Opening menu items will include things like a mixed chicory salad, celery root tortellini and a 100% Berkshire pork chop in a morita chile-morcilla sauce. Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2024 The sautéed tips and tortellini are tossed in a rich Gorgonzola cream sauce, then served with baby spinach, grape tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts, and topped with crispy prosciutto. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 2 Jan. 2024 Mortadella evolved into an everyday luxury, eaten in cubes with Lambrusco as an aperitivo, ground into the filling for tortellini in brodo and added to zuppa imperiale, a classic soup for Christmas. Julia Moskin, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023 Get the Recipe 02 Tortellini Soup Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini make for decadent little bites in this tomatoey soup. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2023 Some of my favorite memories come from helping her cook and enjoying our staple dinners like chicken pot pie, summer garden tortellini, or chicken noodle soup. Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 2 Nov. 2023 On top of a plate of tortellini, this complete meal will be one of your family's favorites. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tortellini.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Cite this Entry

“Tortellini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tortellini. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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