noun

gnocchi

NYO-kee

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Gnocchi (noun) means Small, soft dumplings made from potato or semolina, typically served with a sauce. Example: “We ordered gnocchi with a simple sage and butter sauce.”

noun

Small, soft dumplings made from potato or semolina, typically served with a sauce.

"We ordered gnocchi with a simple sage and butter sauce."

"Homemade gnocchi should be light, not dense or gluey."

How to use gnocchi

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSoft little potato or flour dumplings, an Italian pasta alternative.

Common mistake

It is already plural in Italian, but English speakers commonly treat "gnocchi" as a mass noun ("the gnocchi is delicious"), which is standard usage.

Common pairings

potato gnocchi gnocchi with sauce homemade gnocchi

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Singular: gnocco
Plural: gnocchis

Test yourself on “gnocchi” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Can you complete this real example?

We ordered _____ with a simple sage and butter sauce.

Etymology

From Italian gnocchi, the plural of gnocco ("lump"), related to a word for a knot or knuckle in wood — the dumplings are named for their small, knobbly shape.

Origin: Italian

Frequently asked questions

What does “gnocchi” mean?

The word “gnocchi” means small, soft dumplings made from potato or semolina, typically served with a sauce. In plain terms, soft little potato or flour dumplings, an Italian pasta alternative.

How do you pronounce “gnocchi”?

“Gnocchi” is pronounced NYO-kee (/ˈnjoʊ.ki/ in IPA).

How do you use “gnocchi” in a sentence?

Here is “gnocchi” used in a sentence: “We ordered gnocchi with a simple sage and butter sauce.”

What part of speech is “gnocchi”?

“Gnocchi” is a noun.

Where does the word “gnocchi” come from?

The word “gnocchi” comes from Italian. From Italian gnocchi, the plural of gnocco ("lump"), related to a word for a knot or knuckle in wood — the dumplings are named for their small, knobbly shape.

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Words with Italian origins