polpetta
/polˈpet.ta/feminine
The English word 'meatball' is translated into Italian as polpetta.
The term refers to a ball of minced or ground meat.
Meaning: ball of minced or ground meat (noun)
Which one should you use?
While polpetta is the standard term, you can use different forms to describe the size of the meatball. Use polpettone to describe a very large meatball or a meatloaf, and polpettina for a smaller version. Use polpettina informally to refer to a meatball affectionately in a casual setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word polpetta is a feminine noun. Its plural form is polpette.
How do you pronounce it?
/polˈpet.ta/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, polpette are traditionally served as a standalone dish or a starter and are rarely served on top of pasta, as the 'spaghetti and meatballs' combination is largely an Italian-American invention.
- The word polpetta is frequently used as a sweet term of endearment for babies or chubby children, similar to calling someone 'sweetie' or 'cutie' in English.
- The word polpetta is built from the word polpa, which means 'pulp' or 'flesh'.
Examples in context
- Vorrei delle polpette come antipasto, per favoreI'd like some meatballs as an appetizer, please
- polpette al sugoMeatballs in tomato sauce
- Questa polpetta è molto saporita.This meatball is very tasty.
- Vorrei una polpetta con il sugo.I would like a meatball with sauce.
- La nonna prepara una polpetta gigante.Grandma prepares a giant meatball.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are having lunch at a restaurant.
- FrancescoGiulia, prova questa polpetta.Giulia, try this meatball.
- GiuliaSì, è davvero buona, Francesco!Yes, it is really good, Francesco!
- FrancescoVuoi ordinare un'altra polpetta?Do you want to order another meatball?
- GiuliaNo, sono già piena.No, I am already full.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meatball” translations and entries polpetta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries polpetta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
