jalapeño

noun

ja·​la·​pe·​ño ˌhä-lə-ˈpā-(ˌ)nyō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
ˌha-,
-ˈpā-(ˌ)nō,
-ˈpē-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
variants or less commonly jalapeno
plural jalapeños also jalapenos
: a small plump dark green chili pepper of Mexico and the southern U.S.

called also jalapeño pepper

Examples of jalapeño in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web What to try: The jalapenos and cheese pupusa is required. Alex Golden, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024 Her green chile recipe calls for pork shoulder, tomatillos and Hatch green chiles along with poblanos and jalapenos. Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2024 The neighborhood spot is a popular stop for fried pickles, buffalo chicken quesadillas, jalapeno poppers, several types of wings and fries and so much more. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Add jalapeno; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned on edges, about 5 minutes. Giovanna Vazquez, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2024 Assemble dish: Top cream cheese evenly with jalapenos, bacon, and cheese crisps. Giovanna Vazquez, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2024 Pick from various sandwiches, tenders or wings, plus shrimp, jalapeno poppers, mac and cheese bites or other non-chicken options. Jeremy Duda, Axios, 24 Sep. 2024 Signature Cocktail: Andromeda ($16), with reposado tequila, mint, cilantro, jalapeno, pineapple, Chartreuse liqueur and habanero. Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 31 July 2024 This is abundantly clear at Hurtado Barbecue where fiery hatch chili mac and cheese and baked beans studded with brisket demand as much respect as the housemade sausage links (jalapeno and cheddar is the way to go here), and pulled pork. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 26 July 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jalapeño.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jalapeño was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near jalapeño

Cite this Entry

“Jalapeño.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalape%C3%B1o. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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