jalapeño

noun

ja·​la·​pe·​ño ˌhä-lə-ˈpā-(ˌ)nyō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
ˌha-,
-ˈpā-(ˌ)nō,
-ˈpē-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
variants or less commonly jalapeno
plural jalapeños also jalapenos
: a small plump dark green chili pepper of Mexico and the southern U.S.

called also jalapeño pepper

Examples of jalapeño 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.
Choose from Green Chile Rolls—which have a blend of chicken, onion, tomato, jalapeno, and spices—and Southwestern Style Rolls, made with chicken, spinach, corn, mozzarella cheese, black beans, red peppers, jalapenos, and seasoning. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 31 July 2025 Along with the shawarma wrap, Cincy Gourmet also offer a chicken shawarma and rice plate ($12) with cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes topped with garlic sauce and spicy jalapeno sauce. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025 Pastries and savory baked goods include bagel bombs (i.e., spherical bagels stuffed with cream cheese and bacon or jalapeno), gluten-free strawberry scones, regular and almond croissants, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies and more. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 July 2025 The slight residual sweetness in Brut styles can also balance any hot sauce or jalapeno toppings, unlike tequila which can amplify the heat. Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 In addition to fresh corn, the dip is rounded out with diced bell pepper, olives, and jalapeno. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025 The jalapeno pesto it’s bathed in transports the dish from ho-hum to oh, yum! Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 17 July 2025 Enjoy classics like the Carolina dog or Chicago dog, or spice things up with a jalapeno and cheddar bratwurst. Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025 Adding onions, jalapenos and cilantro gave it even more depth and texture. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jalapeño was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Jalapeño.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalape%C3%B1o. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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