Word Finder

PIZZA

PEET-suh

Noun
Basic Level
5 Letters

Quick Definition

PIZZA A flat, round bread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings, baked in an oven.

Scrabble Points

25

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Definition & Meaning

Pizza is a dish of Italian origin consisting of a flattened disk of bread dough topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients, then baked at high temperature. Originally from Naples, it has become one of the world's most popular and versatile foods.

Traditional Neapolitan pizza features a thin crust with simple toppings: San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. However, pizza has evolved into countless regional variations, from Chicago deep-dish to New York thin crust to California gourmet styles.

In word games, PIZZA offers excellent value with two Z's worth 10 points each. This common 5-letter word is universally known, making it safe from challenges while providing substantial scoring potential through its double high-value letters.

Pizza has transcended its role as mere food to become a cultural phenomenon. It's the fuel of late-night study sessions, the universal party food, and the subject of endless debates about proper toppings. Its global adaptation reflects local tastes while maintaining its essential character.

Did You Know?

  • Americans eat approximately 3 billion pizzas per year.
  • The world's largest pizza was 13,580 square feet, made in Rome in 2012.
  • Hawaiian pizza (with pineapple) was invented in Canada, not Hawaii.
  • The first pizzeria in America was Lombardi's in New York City, opened in 1905.

Etymology & Origin

The word 'pizza' first appeared in a Latin text from Gaeta, Italy in 997 CE. It likely derives from Greek 'pitta' meaning 'pie' or possibly from Langobardic 'bizzo' meaning 'bite.' The modern pizza emerged in Naples in the 18th century, with the Margherita pizza created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Words with similar meaning

PIE

American slang for pizza

ZA

Slang abbreviation

FLATBREAD

General category

Antonyms

Words with opposite meaning

Word Forms & Variations

Plural Form

pizzas

Related Terms

pizzeria
pizzaiolo
pizza oven
pizza dough

Common Phrases & Collocations

Frequent Combinations

  • pizza party

    Gathering with pizza as main food

  • pizza delivery

    Pizza brought to location

  • by the slice

    Individual pizza portions

In Context

    Letter Analysis & Game Details

    Letter Distribution

    P (3 pts)
    1x
    I (1 pts)
    1x
    Z (10 pts)
    2x
    A (1 pts)
    1x

    Total base points: 25 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 3

    Word Building

    Rhyming Words

    Similar 5-Letter Words

    Other high-scoring 5-letter words (Scrabble)

    Word Game Strategy

    Playing PIZZA

    • 1.Double Z word = exceptional value
    • 2.Common word avoids challenges
    • 3.5 letters offers flexibility
    • 4.Both Z's can hit premium squares
    • 5.Often a high-scoring play

    Strategic Considerations

    Focus on maximizing tile placement and multipliers.

    Usage Examples in Context

    "They ordered pizza for the office party, getting varieties to please everyone."

    "The wood-fired oven gave the pizza a perfectly charred, crispy crust."

    "PIZZA with both Z's on double letter squares scored an impressive 56 points."

    Cultural Impact & Modern Usage

    Pizza represents globalization in food form. From its humble Neapolitan origins, it has conquered the world, adapting to local tastes while maintaining its identity. It's democratic food - equally at home at children's parties and gourmet restaurants. Pizza has shaped social customs, dining habits, and even technology (delivery apps).

    Common Mistakes & Confusions

    • Spelling as 'pitza':Double Z: PIZZA
    • Thinking all pizza is Italian-style:Many regional variations exist
    • Pizza originated in America:It's from Naples, Italy

    Related Words to Explore

    Master This Word

    Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like PIZZA

    Content reviewed by Word Game Experts