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.
Discard the strings and save the stem ends for stock. Cook until al dente. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 Instead, take the pasta just a minute or two past al dente, then make sure to run it under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately and drain it thoroughly. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 May 2025 Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, reserving 237 milliliters (1 cup) of pasta water before draining. Francesca Giuliani Hoffman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 29 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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