variants
or less commonly chile
or chiefly British chilli
plural chilies also chiles or chilis or chiefly British chillies
1
a
or chili pepper
: a hot pepper of any of a group of cultivars (Capsicum annuum annuum group longum) noted for their pungency
b
chiefly British chilli
: a pepper whether hot or sweet
2
a
: a thick sauce of meat and chilies
liked to cover her spaghetti with red chili
b
: chili con carne
a bowl of chili
also
: a similar dish made without beef
vegetarian chili
seafood chili
Examples of chili in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Christmas pepper is an ornamental chili pepper plant grown for its multi-colored fruit that resembles Christmas lights.
—
Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Rest elbows at the bar, get a margarita and snack on crispy coconut shrimp served with chili garlic sauce.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
And the Wesley Meadows Retirement Center's fourth annual chili cookoff also was held.
—From Staff Reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 11 Feb. 2026
With intense flavors and generous use of cheese, tortillas, cumin and chili peppers, these dishes reflect the cultural exchange between Mexico and Texas, dating back generations.
—Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chili
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.
Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Rest elbows at the bar, get a margarita and snack on crispy coconut shrimp served with chili garlic sauce.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
And the Wesley Meadows Retirement Center's fourth annual chili cookoff also was held.
—From Staff Reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 11 Feb. 2026
With intense flavors and generous use of cheese, tortillas, cumin and chili peppers, these dishes reflect the cultural exchange between Mexico and Texas, dating back generations.
—Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chili
Cite this Entry
“Chili.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chili. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
