al dente

adjective

al den·​te äl-ˈden-(ˌ)tā How to pronounce al dente (audio)
al-
: cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture
al dente pasta
al dente adverb
pasta cooked al dente

Examples of al dente 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.
Add pasta, gently stirring to submerge in water; cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions for al dente. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025 First up is his Shortcut Baked Rigatoni with Spicy Italian Sausage, which features uncooked pasta baked right in the sauce until al dente, as well as his Chicken Thighs with Spiced Couscous and Carrots, which all happen in a Dutch Oven for maximum ease. Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025 Cannibals are people who share a grandparent, al dente. Lillian Stone, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 Cook egg noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions for al dente; drain and keep warm. Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for al dente

Word History

Etymology

Italian; literally, to the tooth

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of al dente was in 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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