The Italian word “vermicelli” literally means “little worms,” a reference to the pasta’s thin, worm-like shape.
The term is the plural of vermicello, derived from the Italian word verme, meaning “worm.” Italian vermicelli is a long, thin pasta that is generally thicker than spaghetti, although exact dimensions can vary by region and manufacturer. The name describes appearance rather than a particular sauce or cooking method.
Asian noodles also use the name vermicelli, but they are not necessarily the same product as Italian pasta. Rice vermicelli, for example, is made from rice flour and is common in cuisines across East and Southeast Asia. Glass noodles may also be called cellophane or bean-thread noodles and are made from starch. These different products share a thin shape, but their ingredients and textures differ.