al dente

[al den-tey, -tee, ahl den-te] / æl ˈdɛn teɪ, -ti, ɑl ˈdɛn tɛ /

ADJECTIVE

of a firmer texture when cooked

Synonyms

WEAK

firm medium

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lightly salt and add the pasta, stir to separate and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente.

From Washington Post

Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente.

From Washington Post

It makes no difference to the pasta’s ability to retain a proper al dente bite.

From New York Times

Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes, then add the broccoli and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until the rice is nearly al dente.

From Washington Post

While it's not the same distinctive "O"-shaped pasta found in the can, ditalini has a nice toothsomeness when cooked al dente.

From Salon