Orecchiette are pasta shapes that resemble ears, hence their name, which means "little ears."
For other types of pasta, see angel hair, armoniche, bucatini, cannelloni, cannoli shells, cappelletti, conchiglie, farfalle, fedelini, fettuccine, fusilli, garganelli, gemelli, gnocchi, lasagne, linguine, macaroni, mezzelune, orzo, pappardelle, penne, radiatori, ravioli, rigatoni, ruote, spaghetti, tagliarini, tagliatelle, and tortellini.