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Definition of orzo

orzo

/ˈɔːr.zoʊ/
or · zo
Plural:orzo
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orzo Lexical Profile

orzo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A variety of short-cut pasta shaped like a large grain of rice, typically used in soups, salads, and pilafs.

Example

"For a refreshing summer dish, she tossed the cooked orzo with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light lemon vinaigrette."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for orzo

• Nearby Words

orthrosanthus
ortolan
oryx
orzo
osage copperhead
osage orange
osaka

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Italian 'orzo' (meaning 'barley'), which derives from the Latin 'hordeum'. The pasta was named for its resemblance to unprocessed grains of barley.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orzo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orzo
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