Tejano

noun

Te·​ja·​no tā-ˈhä-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce Tejano (audio)
plural Tejanos
1
: a Texan of Hispanic descent
—often used before another noun
the Tejano community
2
[probably short for conjunto tejano, literally, Texan ensemble] : Tex-Mex popular music that combines elements of European waltzes and polkas, country music, and rock and that often features an accordion
—often used before another noun
a Tejano band

Examples of Tejano 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.
For all the fusing of soul, blues, and Tejano sounds in his music, Crockett holds Wille Nelson’s craft closest to his heart. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026 Jimena spun around to find Bobby Pulido, the famed Tejano singer, who’d materialized on the dance floor in a stiff cowboy hat and a navy blazer. — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 The festival will feature a tribute to the music of Tejano music legend Selena by Aurora's own Mayra Alejandra and her Latin Band. — Anna Alejo, CBS News, 10 June 2026 This year, Regional Mexican Music Album (including Tejano) is the weakest category, so all Deborah needs to do is be featured on the likely winner’s album and she’s set! — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Tejano

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Tejas Texas

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Tejano was in 1958

Rhymes for Tejano

See All Rhymes for Tejano

Browse Nearby Words

teize
Tejano
Tejidae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tejano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tejano. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Tejano

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Tejano

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