Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Linguine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🍝
Add to dictionary

linguine

[lɪnˈɡwiːni ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

type of pasta

Linguine is a type of long, flat pasta similar to fettuccine but thinner. It originated in the Liguria region of Italy and is often served with various sauces, including pesto or seafood. Its name derives from the Italian word 'lingua', meaning 'tongue', referencing its shape.

Synonyms

noodle, pasta.

Examples of usage

  • I love linguine with clam sauce.
  • For dinner, we had linguine tossed in olive oil and garlic.
  • The restaurant's special was linguine with shrimp and lemon.
  • She prefers linguine instead of spaghetti.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Linguine is commonly served with seafood or light tomato sauces, offering a delicate balance in flavors.
  • It is often used in the classic dish 'Linguine alle Vongole,' which features clams and white wine.
  • Chefs appreciate linguine for its ability to hold onto sauces due to its wider surface compared to spaghetti.

Cultural Significance

  • In Italy, pasta shapes often have regional significance, with linguine primarily associated with the Ligurian tradition.
  • Pasta has become a global comfort food, with various cultures putting their own spin on traditional recipes including linguine.
  • Linguine's versatility makes it a popular choice in both everyday meals and gourmet cuisine.

Nutrition

  • As a type of pasta, linguine is primarily made from durum wheat semolina, offering a good source of carbohydrates.
  • Whole wheat or gluten-free variants of linguine are available, catering to different dietary needs.
  • Pairing linguine with vegetables or proteins increases its nutritional value, making meals more balanced.

Pop Culture

  • Linguine has made appearances in various movies, notably in 'Ratatouille,' where it represents the pursuit of culinary excellence.
  • The famous dish 'Linguine with Clams' features in many Italian-American restaurants, symbolizing the fusion of cultures.
  • Cooking shows often highlight linguine for its ease of preparation, making it a favorite among home cooks.

Origin of 'linguine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'linguine' comes from the Italian word for 'little tongues,' reflecting its flat and long shape resembling a tongue.
  • The pasta type originated from the coastal region of Liguria in Italy, where it was traditionally paired with pesto.
  • First recorded in writing in the late 19th century, linguine quickly gained popularity in Italy and abroad.

The word 'linguine' comes from the Italian language, where it is the plural of 'linguina', a diminutive form of 'lingua', meaning 'tongue'. The term refers to its elongated, thin shape that is reminiscent of a tongue. The origins of this pasta can be traced back to the coastal regions of Italy, particularly Liguria, where it became a staple due to the abundance of seafood in the area. Traditionally, linguine is often paired with light sauces that enhance the flavor of the pasta without overpowering it. Over time, it has evolved into a popular dish not just in Italy, but globally, with countless variations and recipes that feature linguine as a key ingredient.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,786, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.