tortellini

noun

tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯr-tə-ˈlē-nē 

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

The multi-course menus include intriguing items like rabbit tortellini and sausage and peppers with squid. —Jeremy Duda, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024

Seasonal tortellini, meanwhile, uses fall squash and spinach, with a Parmigiano Reggiano brodo. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024

Cook the tortellini: Add the tortellini to the boiling liquid, and stir for a minute to keep the pasta separated and to prevent sticking. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Strain, put tortellini into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. —Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

tortellini

noun

tor·​tel·​li·​ni ˌtȯrt-ə-ˈlē-nē 

plural tortellini also tortellinis

: pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)