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.
But don't call it an enchilada or the owner, Becky Garza, will scold you profusely. Mireya Villarreal, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025 Although customers rave about the cheese enchiladas and puffy tacos, the breakfast taco lineup is what makes this place stand out. Edmund Tijerina, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025 Pulido’s Rodeo Kitchen, a food stand from the owners of the Pulido’s Mexican Kitchen restaurants, will serve enchilada dinners, tacos, quesadillas and margaritas. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2025 Spoon about 1 cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 26 Nov. 2024 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enchilada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enchilada. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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