pita
|pi-ta|
/ˈpiːtə/
round flatbread
Etymology
'pita' originates from Modern Greek, specifically the word 'πίτα' (píta), where the word meant 'cake' or 'pie' and was used for various baked goods.
'pita' passed into English from Modern Greek 'πίτα' (píta), influenced by similar Turkish words such as 'pide' (a type of flatbread), and became used in English to refer specifically to the Middle Eastern flatbread.
Initially, the Greek word meant 'cake' or 'pie' in a general sense, but over time in English it evolved to mean specifically the round, flat Middle Eastern/Mediterranean bread now called 'pita'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a round, flat wheat bread from the Middle East and Mediterranean, often baked so that it puffs and can be split to form a pocket.
I bought fresh pita at the market and filled it with falafel.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a single flatbread (used when referring to the bread itself rather than a sandwich made with it).
Warm a pita for a minute in the oven before serving.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/29 12:56