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.
The best roasted spaghetti squash is al dente, or firm-yet-tender. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024 Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook to al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024 Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente, adding remaining 2 tablespoons kosher salt to water. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024 Bake flesh-side up at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30–40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender enough to scrape with a fork, producing al dente (or softer) spaghetti-like strands. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 15 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near al dente

Cite this Entry

“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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