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.
In the future, Musk's employees could be among the Bastrop-area residents, tourists and others feasting at one of Austin's most famous homegrown restaurants, Chuy's Tex-Mex, with its enchiladas, tacos, queso and signature creamy jalapeño dressing. Shonda Novak, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 El Gallo Giro’s menu includes street tacos, authentic enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos and chimichangas. Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2025 Good, too, were the tomatillo enchiladas ($11.50) my dining partner was polishing off across from me. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025 Menu highlights include enchiladas, tacos (beef, shrimp, chicken), calamari, cocktails, beer, wine and more. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 26 June 2025 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 6 Aug. 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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