ricotta

noun

ri·​cot·​ta ri-ˈkä-tə 

-ˈkȯ-

: a white unripened whey cheese of Italy that resembles cottage cheese

also : a similar cheese made in the U.S. from whole or skim milk

Examples of ricotta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another hit is the Mediterranean, which features Italian squash, Greek olives, spinach, onions and three cheeses (Monterey jack, feta and ricotta). —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025

Nibble on crispy pork cheek, pearly mussels, and pumpkin and ricotta tortellini for starters—while mains range from confit chicken leg to hoi sin braised short rib (with Asian slaw and wasabi peas) and The Swan Burger, thick and juicy, with applewood cheddar, onion rings and crispy French fries. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Mix ricotta, parmesan and oregano; spread over noodles in dish. —Susan Nicholson, arkansasonline.com, 15 Jan. 2025

This one is packed with noodles, Italian sausage, mozzarella, and ricotta. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from feminine of past participle of ricuocere to cook again, from Latin recoquere, from re- + coquere to cook — more at cook

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ricotta

noun

ri·​cot·​ta ri-ˈkät-ə 

: a soft, white Italian cheese