Search Dictionary
Definition of pancetta

pancetta

/pænˈtʃɛt.ə/
pan · cet · ta
Plural:pancettas
JUMP TO:

pancetta Lexical Profile

pancetta Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An Italian culinary staple consisting of salt-cured pork belly meat, typically seasoned with black pepper and other spices, and traditionally left unsmoked.

Example

"The chef crisped up the diced pancetta in a hot skillet before tossing it into the traditional carbonara sauce."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pancetta

Word Nuance & Usage

Pancetta is often confused with bacon; however, while both are derived from pork belly, traditional pancetta is salt-cured and spiced but unsmoked, whereas American bacon is heavily smoked.

• Rhymes for pancetta

• Nearby Words

pancake
pancake tortoise
pancava
pancetta
panchax
pancratium
panda

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Italian 'pancetta', meaning 'little belly', which is a diminutive of 'pancia' (belly), ultimately derived from the Latin 'pantex' (paunch).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pancetta. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pancetta
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.