habanero

noun

ha·​ba·​ne·​ro ˌ(h)ä-bə-ˈn(y)er-ō How to pronounce habanero (audio)
variants or less commonly habañero
: a very hot roundish chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) that is usually orange when mature

Examples of habanero 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.
The company is also inviting fans to its spicy new menu item, the Nashville Hot Way, which features a custom blend of seasoning for the spaghetti, topped off with habanero cheese. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 It’s got a tropical habanero heat, with chunks of underripe mango that distract you from the freaky smooth avocado mush. Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 July 2025 Hot Honey Mead: A blend of subtle habanero pepper heat and delicate sweetness of honey with a clean, dry finish. Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025 Hotter in Hell is a mango, lime and habanero drink with tequila. Kansas City Star, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for habanero

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish (chile) habanero, literally, Havanan chili

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of habanero was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Habanero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habanero. Accessed 10 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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