ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pita

n.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpitə// UK //pˈiːtɐ// pi·ta

n. a type of flatbread that is round and has a pocket in the middle. You can fill it with meat, vegetables, or cheese and eat it as a sandwich.

n. a type of leavened flatbread originating from the Levant, characterized by a pocket formed by the dough during baking. It is typically used as a vehicle for various fillings.


SIMPLE

I bought a large pita and filled it with grilled chicken.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant serves a variety of pita breads, including plain, whole-wheat, and sesame-seed versions.

COMPLEX

While the dough is traditionally baked in a tandoor, many home cooks use a standard oven to achieve the same airy texture and hollow center required for a successful pita.

Etymology 1

From Greek πίτα (píta, “pie”), more at pizza. Doublet of pide and pizza.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Spanish pita (“century plant”).

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