pizza

noun

piz·​za ˈpēt-sə How to pronounce pizza (audio)
: a dish made typically of flattened bread dough spread with a savory mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked

called also pizza pie

pizzalike
ˈpēt-sə-ˌlīk How to pronounce pizza (audio)
adjective

Examples of pizza in a Sentence

We ordered a pizza for supper. I ordered pizza for supper. a slice of pepperoni pizza
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Could a dirty Thai tea cheer up former pizza junkies instead? — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026 Some people love them (eating cold pizza while standing in front of the fridge is a treasured pastime of mine). — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 6 July 2026 The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Bill Pustari will be the first to tell you Connecticut is where America's pizza scene peaks. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pizza

Word History

Etymology

Italian, perhaps of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German bizzo, pizzo bite, bit, bīzan to bite — more at bite

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pizza was in 1825

Phrases Containing pizza

Browse Nearby Words

pizz
pizza
pizzaiola
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pizza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pizza. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pizza

noun
piz·​za ˈpēt-sə How to pronounce pizza (audio)
: a dish made typically of thinly rolled bread dough spread with a spiced mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked

called also pizza pie

Etymology

from Italian pizza "pizza"

More from Merriam-Webster on pizza

Nglish: Translation of pizza for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pizza

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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