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.

Add the asparagus and let everything turn glossy for a few minutes, then toss with sweet snap peas, chives and al dente pasta.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Their handmade al dente noodles are perfect — they overnight them from Italy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

Once it is just shy of al dente, drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.

From Washington Times • Aug. 4, 2023

They resembled noodles that had been cooked al dente.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston