pesto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to neutral, commonly used in culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “pesto” mean?
A sauce from Italian cuisine, typically made from crushed basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sauce from Italian cuisine, typically made from crushed basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Any sauce made in a similar style or using a similar technique of grinding ingredients into a paste, which can include different herbs, nuts, or cheeses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is borrowed directly from Italian and used identically.
Connotations
Connotes fresh, often homemade, Mediterranean or gourmet cooking.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, given the global popularity of Italian cuisine.
Grammar
How to Use “pesto” in a Sentence
[make/stir in/warm] pestopesto [with/on/in] pastapesto [made from/containing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pesto” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to pesto the new potatoes for a summer salad.
American English
- He likes to pesto his grilled chicken right before serving.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The pesto flavour was too overpowering for the delicate fish.
American English
- They offer a pesto pizza with artichokes and mozzarella.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in the food industry (e.g., 'We've seen a 15% increase in pesto sales').
Academic
Rare, might appear in historical or cultural studies of food.
Everyday
Very common in cooking, recipe-sharing, and restaurant contexts.
Technical
Used in culinary arts to describe a specific technique and sauce category.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pesto”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pesto”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pesto”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈpɛstoʊ/ with a hard 'e' (like 'pet'). The first vowel is /e/ as in 'bed'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'two pestos'). It is generally uncountable, though 'types of pesto' or 'pesto sauces' is fine.
- Misspelling as 'pasta', 'pesto sauce' is redundant but commonly accepted.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While traditional basil pesto is green, variations like 'pesto rosso' (red pesto) made with sun-dried tomatoes or red peppers are also common.
Yes. Pesto is versatile and can be used as a sandwich spread, a marinade for meat or fish, a dressing for salads, or a topping for baked potatoes and pizza.
Yes, garlic is a standard ingredient in traditional Genoese pesto, though the amount can be adjusted to taste.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent discolouration. It can also be frozen for several months.
A sauce from Italian cuisine, typically made from crushed basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Pesto is usually informal to neutral, commonly used in culinary contexts. in register.
Pesto: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpestəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpestoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PESTO' as 'PES' (like 'pestle' used to crush herbs) + 'TO' (as in 'to go' on pasta).
Conceptual Metaphor
Pesto as a symbol of fresh, vibrant, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Practice
Quiz
Which ingredient is NOT traditionally found in classic 'pesto alla Genovese'?