What does noodle mean?
A noodle is a long, thin strip of pasta, usually made with wheat flour and water; such strips are commonly served in soups, sauces, stir-fries, and other dishes. The plural form noodles is normally used when referring to the food as a dish, while the singular can refer to an individual strip. Noodle also has an informal and derogatory meaning for a person considered foolish, incompetent, or ineffectual, as in a phrase such as “complete noodle.” A further, less common sense denotes a long, narrow strip of material. The word entered English from German Nudel, whose plural is Nudeln. Although the culinary meaning is overwhelmingly dominant in modern usage, the figurative sense is memorable and firmly established in informal English.
A long, thin strip of pasta made from flour and water, especially wheat flour.
"She added a noodle to her soup and tasted the broth."
The plural form is customary when referring collectively to the food.
A person regarded as foolish, incompetent, or ineffectual.
"They called him a noodle after he forgot the password twice."
Informal and derogatory; chiefly used in casual or mocking speech.
A long, narrow strip or strand of something.
"A noodle of smoke curled above the candle."
This sense is relatively uncommon.
To act or move in a hesitant, aimless, or ineffectual way.
"He noodled for a while before choosing a route."
Informal and relatively uncommon, especially outside British and American English.
The plural is usual when referring to pasta as a food or dish; the singular can denote one individual strip.
"They had noodles with tomato sauce and grated cheese."
The word noodle entered English from German, where it comes from the plural form Nudeln.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does noodle come from?
The word was borrowed into English from German, where the singular Nudel and plural Nudeln were both used. The English form appears in the 18th century in culinary contexts, initially referring to a kind of thin pasta. Its more recent figurative sense, meaning a contemptible or ineffectual person, developed in the 20th century.
Related word forms
How noodle is actually used
The culinary sense is standard and neutral. The informal, derogatory sense for a person is chiefly used in casual or mocking speech and may be offensive depending on context.