Macaroni Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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macaroni

[ˌmakəˈroʊni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

pasta dish

Macaroni is a type of pasta that is shaped like small tubes. It is commonly used in dishes such as macaroni and cheese or macaroni salad.

Synonyms

elbow macaroni, noodles, pasta.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
macaroni

General use to refer to various small, tube-shaped pasta.

  • Add some macaroni to the boiling water.
  • This pasta salad uses macaroni.
pasta

An umbrella term that includes all kinds of Italian noodles and sometimes other varieties. It is useful in more general or formal contexts.

  • Italian pasta dishes are my favorite.
  • He cooked a delicious pasta dinner.
noodles

Used more broadly for many types of pasta and also for Asian varieties like ramen or soba. It can be used interchangeably with pasta in casual settings.

  • She made a delicious bowl of noodles.
  • Instant noodles are a quick snack.
elbow macaroni

Specifically used when talking about the short, curved tubular pasta, usually used in soups and traditional macaroni dishes.

  • I need elbow macaroni for this soup recipe.
  • The macaroni and cheese tastes better with elbow macaroni.

Examples of usage

  • The macaroni and cheese was creamy and delicious.
  • She made a tasty macaroni salad for the picnic.
Context #2 | Noun

slang for money

In slang terms, macaroni can also refer to money. It is often used to talk about a large sum of money.

Synonyms

bucks, cash, dough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
macaroni

Refers to a type of pasta and is not commonly used as a slang term for money. It would typically be used in contexts related to food and cooking.

  • We had macaroni and cheese for dinner.
  • I love adding broccoli to my macaroni.
cash

Refers to money in the form of bills and coins. It is used in both formal and informal situations when referring to physical money as opposed to credit cards or checks.

  • Do you have any cash on you?
  • I prefer to pay with cash when I shop at small businesses.
dough

A slang term for money that is often used informally. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts, but it is generally informal.

  • He's trying to save up some dough for a new car.
  • They made a lot of dough from that business deal.
bucks

Used informally in American English to refer to dollars. It is most commonly used in casual conversations about money and spending.

  • It cost me fifty bucks to get my car fixed.
  • Can you lend me a few bucks? I'm short on cash.

Examples of usage

  • He's got so much macaroni, he could buy a new car.
  • She's saving up all her macaroni for a trip around the world.

Translations

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

Origin of 'macaroni'

The word 'macaroni' has Italian origins, coming from the term 'maccheroni'. It was initially a type of pasta shaped like small tubes. The popularity of macaroni increased in the 18th century, especially in dishes like macaroni and cheese. The slang use of 'macaroni' to refer to money likely originated from the idea of 'dough' or 'bread' as slang for money, with 'macaroni' being a fun variation.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,927, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.