adobo

noun

ado·​bo ə-ˈdō-bō  ä-ˈt͟hō-bō 

plural adobos

1

: a Philippine dish of fish or meat usually marinated in a sauce containing vinegar and garlic, browned in fat, and simmered in the marinade

2

: a spicy marinade used in Latin American cuisine and usually containing vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers

chipotles in adobo

3

: a seasoning mixture that typically includes ground dried garlic, ground dried onion, oregano, salt, and pepper

Examples of adobo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two pantry staples—a buttery can of refried beans and smoky chipotle chiles in adobo—deliver extra bold flavor. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 28 Feb. 2025

Elvi's Kitchen is now a favorite with locals and tourists alike for dishes like fresh fish prepared in Maya adobo sauce and even unique vegan and vegetarian dishes like coconut ceviche and curry. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2025

In turn, Filipino immigrants brought to the States their own style of empanadas – flaky and buttery, on the sweeter side and stuffed with chicken adobo, kaldereta (goat or beef stew) and other island-country favorites. —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025

For the main entree, choose from adobo pork belly, uni pasta or kabocha squash gateau. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, "marinade," noun derivative of adobar "to arrange, prepare, cook, marinate," borrowed from Old French adober "to arm (a knight), prepare," from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -dober, borrowed from Old Low Franconian *dubban "to strike"; akin to Old Frisian dubba "to hit, knock" — more at dub entry 1

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for adobo

• bobo
• hobo
• lobo
• oboe