chorizo

noun

cho·​ri·​zo chə-ˈrē-(ˌ)zō How to pronounce chorizo (audio)
-(ˌ)sō
plural chorizos
: a seasoned, coarsely ground, pork sausage
a
: a spicy or sweet ground pork sausage that is seasoned especially with smoked paprika, is used chiefly in Spanish cooking, and is typically sold dried and cured in casings
b
: a spicy ground pork sausage that is seasoned with chili powder and other spices (such as cumin or garlic), is used chiefly in Mexican cooking, and is typically sold uncooked either loose or in casings

Examples of chorizo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Wednesday, May 13 Health inspectors cited the Arden Arcade Mexican eatery after finding beans, chorizo and eggs measured below proper hot holding temperatures. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026 Readers have made it with bacon, sausage, chorizo, a whole roster of vegetables, and even dairy-free swaps. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026 Expect savory moles, guisados (home-style stews), tamales and tlayudas, a pizza-like dish featuring a large crispy tortilla layered with bean paste, chorizo, avocado, green salsa, cheese and other toppings. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026 Take these sweet-potato-and-chorizo-sausage balls as the rest of the South's answer to Louisiana's savory boudin balls–each delicious bite is loaded with meat with a little kick from spicy chorizo. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for chorizo

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chorizo was in 1802

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Cite this Entry

“Chorizo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chorizo. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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