achiote

noun

achi·​o·​te ˌä-chē-ˈō-tē How to pronounce achiote (audio)
: a spice made from the red seed of the annatto tree
also : the seed from which the spice is made

Examples of achiote 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.
Chef Williams Saurina adds his own touches, with novel spins on ceviche, zesty salsas flecked with pumpkin seeds, and aromatic Tikin Xic (sea bass with recado rojo, made from local achiote, wrapped in totomoxtle leaf). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026 After studying Central Texas barbecue online and on TV, Santana began infusing his classic Southern meats with the Dominican flavors of oregano, sofrito, adobo, sour orange, molasses, honey, and achiote. — Hilary Cadigan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026 Scientists evaluated ingredients like purple beet juice, paprika and annatto, a natural seed extract from the achiote tree that grows in tropical regions of the Americas. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 Here, the menu runs from light ricotta ravioli brightened with lemon to a suckling pig dressed with achiote, sweet potatoes, and marjoram. — Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for achiote

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from American Spanish, borrowed from Nahuatl āchiotl "annatto tree"

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of achiote was in 1648

Rhymes for achiote

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Browse Nearby Words

achingly
achiote
achira
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Cite this Entry

“Achiote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achiote. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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