enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈlä-də How to pronounce enchilada (audio)
1
: a usually corn tortilla rolled around a savory mixture, covered with chili sauce, and usually baked
2
: schmear sense 1, ball of wax
the whole enchilada

Examples of enchilada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cut-up chicken, crushed potato chips, ranch dressing, cream cheese, and jalapeños approximate an enchilada. Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 Open since 1922, the restaurant has a few different locations in the area, and its Northern Mexico and Tucson-style Mexican menu features enchiladas, tamales, tacos, margaritas, and more. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025 For lunch, that mole negro will come in chicken enchiladas. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2024 Servers dish up a banana splits big enough to feed three that cost just $5, and a pair of cheese enchiladas goes for less than $4. Pam Leblanc, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enchilada 

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from feminine of enchilado, past participle of enchilar to season with chili, from Spanish en- en- entry 1 + chile chili

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enchilada was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near enchilada

Cite this Entry

“Enchilada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enchilada. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

enchilada

noun
en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈläd-ə How to pronounce enchilada (audio)
: a tortilla rolled around a meat or cheese filling and covered with a chili sauce
Etymology

American Spanish, derived from earlier enchilar "to season with chili"

More from Merriam-Webster on enchilada

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