What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
noodle
Example
I love eating chicken noodle soup on a cold day. [noodle: noun]
Example
She was noodling around in the kitchen, trying to come up with a new recipe. [noodling: verb]
vermicelli
Example
I ordered the vermicelli bowl with grilled pork at the Vietnamese restaurant. [vermicelli: noun]
Example
She cooked the vermicelli noodles until they were al dente. [vermicelli: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Noodle is more commonly used than vermicelli in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of pasta dishes. Vermicelli is a more specific term that is commonly used in certain dishes, such as pho or seviyan.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between noodle and vermicelli?
Both noodle and vermicelli are relatively informal terms that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, vermicelli may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with specific ethnic cuisines.