polenta
/poˈlɛn.ta/feminine
polenta is the Italian word for polenta.
The word refers to a starchy accompaniment to a meal.
Meaning: starchy accompaniment to a meal (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Specific varieties exist in different parts of Italy, such as Polenta Taragna, which originates from northern regions like Lombardy and Polenta Bramata, which is found in regions like Veneto and Piedmont.
How does it change in a sentence?
polenta is a feminine noun, which means that any accompanying adjectives must agree with it in both gender and number.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /poˈlɛn.ta/.
Did you know?
- While modern polenta is made from corn, the original Roman polenta was made from farro or barley because corn was not introduced to Europe until after the 15th century.
- In some Italian households, polenta is traditionally cooked in a paiolo, a large copper cauldron, which is believed to distribute heat more evenly than modern pots.
- The word polenta shares its roots with the Latin word 'pulmentum', which refers to any kind of mush or porridge made from boiled grains.
Examples in context
- La polenta è un piatto tipico delle mie parti.Polenta is a typical dish from my area.This sentence is useful for describing the typical nature of polenta in a specific area.Tatoeba #11057969 by gaia99, translation #11165425 by gcaplan
- Durante il picnic, abbiamo portato polenta fredda tagliata a cubetti come stuzzichino.During the picnic, we brought cold polenta cut into cubes as an appetizer.This sentence shows how polenta can be served cold in cubes as an appetizer.Tatoeba #12179465 by Guybrush88, translation #12182447 by gcaplan
- La polenta al formaggio è diventata una delle mie ricette preferite per i brunch in famiglia.Cheese polenta has become one of my favorite recipes for family brunches.This sentence illustrates how polenta can be prepared with cheese for a meal.Tatoeba #12179466 by Guybrush88, translation #12182446 by gcaplan
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are having dinner at home.
- LorenzoVuoi un po' di polenta con il ragù?Do you want some polenta with the ragù?
- GiuliaSì, la polenta è buonissima stasera.Yes, the polenta is delicious tonight.
- LorenzoNe preparo ancora un po' per te.I will prepare a little more for you.
- GiuliaGrazie, sei molto gentile, Lorenzo.Thank you, you are very kind, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “polenta” translations and entries polenta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries polenta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
